Wolves fans were optimistic at the start of the summer transfer window, and now many are fearful about what the 2025/26 may hold.
It was also going to be a huge window for Wolves.
Matheus Cunha was always leaving, but then there were some more exits that were fairly likely, such as Pablo Sarabia, Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Wolves have brought in some decent players, but ultimately none of them have any Premier League experience.
While that is not always essential, it’s never a bad thing to have players who already know the league, who can hit the ground running quickly.
But the most frustrating thing is that most of Wolves’ additions have come in late. Only Fer Lopez has had a full pre-season with the squad.
Fans are certainly frustrated, and now well-connected reporter Johnny Phillips has shared what the internal feeling has really been about recruitment.
Vitor Pereira, Domenico Teti and co frustrated internally over Wolves recruitment
It perhaps comes as no real surprise that Vitor Pereira, Domenico Teti and other figures at Wolves have been left frustrated by how things have gone in recent weeks.
Johnny Phillips has penned some thoughts in his latest Substack column, and shared the internal feeling about transfers.
He says: “Publicly there was no great show of dissent from Pereira and Teti but privately there were expressions of concern over the length of time it was taking to do business and how some of the head coach’s first-choice targets were missed.
“Too many deals appeared close only to fall through at various stages of the process, leaving questions about the capability of those making the decisions.”
It has indeed been a frustrating past few weeks.
The hijacking of the Marc Pubill deal by Atletico Madrid seems to set the tone.
Juanlu Sanchez was also wanted, but a move never materialised. In the end, Wolves landed Jackson Tchatchoua as their new right wing-back.
And then, of course, on deadline day Wolves failed to sign a new midfielder – a position Pereira was very keen to strengthen.
Also Christantus Uche appeared all set to join Wolves, only for him and his team to back away from the move, with agent Jorge Mendes’ behaviour reportedly a factor in their decision.
Some have questioned director of professional football Teti, but there is also the notion that Wolves just aren’t anywhere near the same attractive proposition they were to players as they were a few years ago.
There was one claim that Sanchez and his team had asked about a relegation release clause as Wolves looked to sign him, which tells you everything you need to know.
Pereira must be livid over Wolves’ summer transfer business
The Wolves manager could be forgiven for being very angry with what the recruitment team have served up this summer.
Wolves overpaid for Fer Lopez, missed out on top targets, and didn’t sign a midfielder on deadline day. And what’s more, most of the signings have come in late.
The players that have come in have potential, but could take time getting up to speed.
There also appears to be a lack of creativity behind the strikers now.
Some Wolves fans fear Pereira may end up walking.
Pereira recently assured he wouldn’t walk away from Wolves, and there’s no denying he has felt very honoured to be a Premier League manager.
But he surely cannot be happy with the club’s summer, especially after he proved his credentials with the work he did after joining the club midway through last season.