How Wolves’ dip in form in the Premier League could cost the Molineux side millions ahead of the summer transfer window.
While Gary O’Neil has done an excellent job at Molineux this season, the club’s form has dipped dramatically in recent weeks.
After the 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth, Wolves’ winless run has now extended to seven matches. Despite O’Neil holding hopes of European football just a month back, this has all but vanished.
There are plenty of reasons for this sudden decline. VAR has been a constant issue all season with the officials controversially disallowing Max Kilman’s equaliser against West Ham.
Injuries have also plagued Wolves’ season. Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto are just two stars of the Wolves first-team who have missed big chunks of 2024.
However, this has now come back to bite Wolves, with the club set to miss out on millions.
Wolves could miss out on nearly £20 million in Premier League prize money
At the end of each Premier League season, each club is rewarded with prize money for their position at the end of the campaign.
Each spot in the table is worth £3.1 million each. As it stands, Wolves sit 12th in the Premier League which would give them £28 million at the end of the season.
However, Fulham and Crystal Palace are closing in which could cost them £6.2 million if they do not improve their form.
Wolves have arguably already lost out on £12.5 million. After the 2-1 victory against Fulham last month, the club were eighth in the table.
However, they have not won a game since and are now five points behind West Ham who occupy the position.
Transfer window repercussions for Gary O’Neil?
Reinforcements are clearly needed this summer. The lack of depth in the squad eventually caught up and caused the downfall at the end of the campaign.
However, with Wolves aiming to be self-sufficient, this potential loss of money would undoubtedly be a blow.
£12.5 million could have easily brought in a solid player for depth this summer. Tommy Doyle, who is set to sign for Wolves, can be brought for only £4.3 million, which proves bargains are available.
However, the club only has itself to blame. While VAR has been costly and unpreventable, the lack of depth wasn’t. Wolves have been in this situation for years and the end of this campaign has many similarities to the 2021/22 season.
If Wolves’ owners are serious about competing in the Premier League, they must invest in the summer.
