⚽ Wolves Transfer Window 2025: A Summer of Transition, But Time Is Running Out
The summer transfer window is often a period of excitement and anticipation for football fans. It’s the time of year when clubs hit the reset button, make bold moves, and begin shaping the team that will define the next season. But for Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 2025 summer window has started with more frustration than fulfillment.
Despite early expectations that this summer would represent a period of rebuilding and renewal, Wolves have made just one major signing so far — 20-year-old midfielder Fer Lopez, brought in from Celta Vigo for £19.5 million. While the Spaniard is an exciting prospect and may well develop into a key player for the club, his arrival has done little to address the more pressing and immediate concerns facing the first team, particularly in the attacking department.
🧱 The Foundation Is Weak Without Reinforcements
One of the biggest moments of Wolves’ summer so far wasn’t a signing — it was a departure. On the very first day of the transfer window, Matheus Cunha, one of Wolves’ most talented and dynamic players, completed a move to Manchester United. The Brazilian’s sale brought in a significant fee but also left a huge void in the squad.
Cunha’s influence at Wolves cannot be overstated. He wasn’t just a forward who scored goals; he was a creative force, a hard-working presser, and a key part of Gary O’Neil’s tactical system. He could drop deep to link midfield and attack, operate in tight spaces, or run beyond defenders. His versatility, flair, and end product made him the focal point of the Wolves frontline.
His departure has left Wolves with a glaring hole in the squad — and despite over a month having passed, the club has yet to bring in a player of similar quality or experience to fill it.
🔁 Enter Jesurun Rak-Sakyi: Talent, But Not the Solution
Recent reports from journalist Alan Nixon have linked Wolves with a move for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who spent last season on loan at Sheffield United. Rak-Sakyi impressed during his time at Bramall Lane, scoring 7 goals in 35 appearances, and catching the eye with his pace, agility, and direct style of play.
The England U21 international has been on the radar of several clubs, including Rangers, although it’s believed the Scottish side may be put off by Crystal Palace’s £10 million asking price. Wolves, on the other hand, remain interested and are said to be seriously considering a move.
But while Rak-Sakyi is undoubtedly a player with exciting potential, he is not the right player to replace Matheus Cunha — not now, and maybe not even in the next couple of years.
📉 A Poor Comparison: Rak-Sakyi vs Cunha
It’s important to analyze why Rak-Sakyi should not be viewed as a like-for-like replacement for Cunha.
Attribute Matheus Cunha Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
Age 26 22
Position Forward / Attacking Midfielder Winger
Top-Flight Experience Over 150 games (Germany, Spain, England) 212 Premier League minutes
Goals (2024–25) 13 goals, 7 assists 7 goals (Championship)
Market Value £45–50 million £8–10 million
Cunha was a well-rounded, experienced player who thrived in top European leagues and consistently performed at a high level. He didn’t just bring goals and assists — he brought intelligence, leadership, and composure under pressure. Rak-Sakyi, while gifted, is still raw. He has only just begun to find his footing in senior football and lacks the physical and mental maturity to step into a pivotal role in the Premier League.
🚀 Rak-Sakyi’s Upside: What Wolves Could Gain
Despite the concerns around replacing Cunha, Rak-Sakyi is not without merit. In fact, signing him in addition to a more experienced attacker could be an extremely smart move for Wolves.
He is fast, agile, and loves to take on defenders. Wolves often lack a wide player who can create something out of nothing — Rak-Sakyi could bring that.
His age profile fits with Wolves’ long-term strategy. At just 22, he has years to develop, and with proper coaching under Gary O’Neil, he could become a regular contributor.
He is homegrown, which is increasingly valuable due to Premier League registration rules.
In short, Rak-Sakyi has the tools to become a fan favourite at Molineux — just not as a marquee signing. He needs time, patience, and competition for his place.
🕰️ Time Is Slipping Away: Why Wolves Need to Move Fast
With pre-season already underway, Wolves are at risk of missing out on crucial preparation time. Every week without new signings is a week lost in terms of building team chemistry, adapting new players to the system, and addressing tactical weaknesses.
Training camps are where players bond and gel — missing this period often delays the impact of new signings.
Fixtures come quickly once the season starts, and a poor start can damage confidence and momentum.
Other clubs are strengthening, which means Wolves could fall behind if they don’t act soon.
So far, Wolves’ only major incoming is a midfielder who’s unlikely to solve their lack of attacking threat. That’s a big gamble — especially when the club finished 14th last season and will face an even more competitive league this year.
🧩 The Bigger Picture: What’s the Plan?
There’s a growing sense among Wolves supporters that this summer is crucial. Fosun have made it clear that financial sustainability is important, but the club also needs to be ambitious. Gary O’Neil did an admirable job last season, keeping Wolves afloat with limited resources, but he can’t be expected to work miracles again without significant backing.
The club needs experience and leadership, not just raw talent.
Replacing Cunha’s quality with youth prospects isn’t sustainable if the club wants to push toward the top half.
Wolves must balance short-term results with long-term growth — and that starts with smarter recruitment.
✅ Conclusion: Wolves Must Think Bigger — and Act Now
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is an exciting young winger with a high ceiling. His signing could prove to be a clever one — but only if it’s part of a broader plan. Wolves cannot afford to place the burden of replacing Matheus Cunha on the shoulders of a player who has yet to prove himself at Premier League level.
The club needs at least one — if not two — more proven attackers this summer. Whether it’s an experienced striker, a playmaker, or a goal-scoring winger, Wolves must find players who are ready to perform now, not just in two or three years.
Time remains — but the window will not wait forever. And if Wolves want to avoid another season of looking over their shoulder, they must be bolder, faster, and smarter in the weeks to come.