Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) are currently going through a phase of rebuilding as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Despite a relatively quiet summer transfer window so far, there is a growing sense of urgency within the club to secure key signings in crucial positions. With the new campaign just around the corner, Wolves have already secured two new arrivals: Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo and Jhon Arias from Fluminense. While both signings are important additions, it’s clear that Wolves still have a number of holes to fill in their squad if they are to have a competitive season in the Premier League.
One of the positions that Wolves are most focused on strengthening is their attack. Fabio Silva, who was initially signed by the club from Porto in 2020, is set to leave the club permanently, which leaves a gap in the striker department. While Jorgen Strand Larsen, who joined Wolves last summer, is expected to be the main focal point in attack for the upcoming season, Wolves are seeking additional depth and competition for him. In modern football, having strong options up front is essential, especially for clubs like Wolves, who aim to balance competing in the Premier League while also making progress in domestic cups.
Thus, it comes as no surprise that Wolves have reportedly made an enquiry to Millwall regarding their promising young striker Mihailo Ivanovic. At just 20 years old, Ivanovic has already caught the attention of many in the football world due to his sensational performances for Millwall in the Championship during the 2024/25 season. Scoring 13 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions is an impressive tally for any player, let alone a 20-year-old in one of the toughest leagues in Europe. Ivanovic’s performances have made him one of the most exciting young talents in English football, and his rapid rise has led to him being linked with a host of top-tier clubs, including Wolves.
Wolves’ interest in Ivanovic is indicative of their desire to bring in a striker with the potential to not only provide valuable competition for Strand Larsen but also to develop into a future star. Ivanovic’s age, coupled with his ability to perform at a high level in the Championship, makes him a prime candidate for a club like Wolves, who are always looking to blend youth with experience. Ivanovic is exactly the type of player who could thrive in a system that values versatility and a high work rate, two qualities that Wolves have placed a strong emphasis on under manager Vitor Pereira.
However, while Ivanovic seems like an ideal fit for Wolves, there are significant challenges standing in the way of the deal. Chief among these obstacles is Millwall’s £15 million asking price, a figure that could be a tough sell for Wolves given their financial constraints. While £15 million might seem like a reasonable fee for a young talent with the potential to break into the Premier League, Wolves may be hesitant to commit such a large sum to a player who would likely serve as a backup to Strand Larsen. The club may be more inclined to make a more modest investment in a backup striker, particularly given their other areas of need in the squad, such as defensive reinforcements and midfield depth.
The situation is made more complicated by the fact that Millwall are under no immediate pressure to sell. Ivanovic is still young, with plenty of potential to improve, and his value could increase if he continues to develop at his current rate. Furthermore, Millwall have only had Ivanovic for a year after signing him from Partizan in 2024, and they may feel that they can afford to keep hold of him for another season, especially with his value continuing to rise. Millwall will likely be keen to hold on to one of their most promising young players, particularly as they look to push for promotion to the Premier League in the near future.
For Wolves, the £15 million price tag could represent an overestimation of Ivanovic’s immediate value, especially given that he would be competing for a backup role at best. With other signings required across the pitch, including additional reinforcements in defense and midfield, Wolves might be wary of stretching their budget too thin for a player who may not be a guaranteed starter in the short term. However, the potential upside of signing Ivanovic cannot be ignored. The young striker has all the raw ingredients to succeed at a higher level. His combination of technical ability, physicality, and awareness makes him a difficult player for defenders to handle. Wolves would be bringing in a player with all the potential in the world, and if he adapts well to the Premier League, Ivanovic could prove to be a valuable long-term asset.
If Wolves do decide to push forward with the transfer, there are ways they might look to structure the deal to make it more manageable. A potential solution could be to include performance-related add-ons or a payment structure that spreads the cost over several years, making the £15 million price tag less of an immediate financial burden. Additionally, Wolves could explore the possibility of negotiating the price down, particularly given the growing financial pressure on Championship clubs who may not have the same bargaining power as Premier League sides.
From Ivanovic’s perspective, joining Wolves could represent a significant step up in his career. The chance to move to the Premier League is every young player’s dream, and Wolves offer an exciting environment for a developing striker to thrive. Wolves have a solid history of developing young talent, and the opportunity to train alongside experienced professionals like Strand Larsen could help Ivanovic refine his game and become a more complete player. It would also provide him with valuable exposure on the biggest stage in English football.
For Ivanovic, this could be a pivotal moment in his career. While Millwall offers him first-team football and the opportunity to continue his development in the Championship, the pull of Premier League football and the chance to work with a manager like Vitor Pereira could prove irresistible. Moreover, if Ivanovic were to secure a move to Wolves, it’s likely that he would get plenty of opportunities to prove himself, particularly in cup competitions and as a rotational option for Strand Larsen.
Nevertheless, Wolves will need to proceed with caution, as the £15 million asking price may be a reflection of the increasing difficulty of signing young talent in today’s market. While Ivanovic is undoubtedly a highly talented player, Wolves need to ensure they are making the right decision for the long-term development of the club. Should the price remain too high, it may force them to reconsider their options and explore alternative targets.
In conclusion, Wolves’ interest in Mihailo Ivanovic represents a bold move to secure a player with significant potential. If they can negotiate a deal that works financially, Ivanovic could be a key signing for the future. The club is clearly looking to build a team that is competitive in the Premier League while also planning for long-term success. However, with Millwall standing firm on their asking price, it remains to be seen whether Wolves will be able to land Ivanovic in time for the new season or whether they will have to look elsewhere to fill the gap in their attack. Either way, it’s clear that Wolves are intent on strengthening their squad, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining their strategy for the future.