Wolves are poised to endure a busy summer in the transfer market, as Gary O’Neil aims to bolster his squad after a season of stretching for depth.
Gary O’Neil has weathered the storm of Wolves’ small squad expertly this campaign, with the Old Gold in touching distance of a European finish in the Premier League.
With 10 games left to play, the Englishman could prove Julen Lopetegui’s theory very wrong, as the Spaniard left his post due to his concerns over the squad’s depth to compete in the top flight.
That being said, there’s been no smoke without fire at Molineux, as O’Neil continues to battle the hardships of having a squad short in numbers, with a host of key players currently sidelined through injury.
The summer is set to be pivotal for the progression of Wolves under the manager’s reign, with the hope there that the Midlands club can have more of a presence this year after the FFP concerns of 2023.
Three players that Wolves could sign in the summer
With the home straight of the 2023/24 campaign in sight, Wolves have already been linked to a number of potential signings.
It’s clear that O’Neil wants to strengthen his front line, particularly the number nine role with only Hwang Hee-chan representing the position in the current senior squad.
While there is plenty of time before the transfer window opens, three players have already been rumoured to be targets at Molineux.
Eddie Nketiah
As reported this week, Wolves are said to be one of the clubs interested in Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.
The 24-year-old has been a squad player under Mikel Arteta after being promoted from the academy in 2019.
While the Englishman’s scoring frequency is far from the levels to see him identified as clinical, his overall gameplay and tactical know-how gained from playing for the Gunners could make him a strong signing for O’Neil.
The Premier League saw the best of Nketiah earlier this season when he netted a stellar hattrick against Sheffield United, giving a glimpse of the quality he could add to the front line at Molineux.
Having scored only 38 goals in 164 senior appearances for Arsenal, there is work there to be done, prompting an argument as to whether he would be the reliable forward that O’Neil craves at this time.
Boulaye Dia
Wolves attempted to sign Salernitana marksman, Boulaye Dia, at the end of the summer however, saw their offer rejected for the 27-year-old.
That being said, Dia’s position in Italy has completely changed due to a falling out at his current club, with a move in the summer now likely for the Senegal international.
While this season has been far from the levels of the 2022/23 campaign, Dia has an innate and experienced quality when it comes to leading the line.
Last term, the ‘remarkable’ forward, as lauded by scout Antonio Mango, netted 16 goals in 33 appearances in Serie A, as well as recording an impressive six assists.
The unhappy striker fits the demographic of player that could take O’Neil’s squad to the next level, having established himself as a reliable goalscorer in both France and Italy’s top leagues.
Alex Berenguer
Finally, a forward that is less centrally used than the two above that has been linked to Wolves is Athletic Bilbao winger, Alex Berenguer.
The 28-year-old’s contract in Spain ends in the summer, making him a particularly attractive figure to target in the bid for the Old Gold to regulate their spending.
Aside from his low cost, the Spaniard is a strong and dynamic player for O’Neil to keep an eye on, with him having the ability to both score and threaten on the flanks.
With six goals and two assists in 26 La Liga appearances this campaign, the experienced forward could act as another versatile jewel for the Wolves manager to exploit, having the capability to play centrally and on either wing.