Thankfully, Wolves steered well clear of relegation in 2023/24, which came as a surprise to quite a lot of people.
Many had tipped Wanderers to really struggle, after Julen Lopetegui left the club, as well as a host of big-name players, including Raul Jimenez, Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes.
Gary O’Neil guided the club to a 14th-placed finish in the end, accruing 49 points from 38 games.
The teams that went down were the three that came up; Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton Town.
Sheffield United and Burnley really disappointed, and Luton – managed by former Wolves man Rob Edwards of course, came up just short.
Despite their relegations, the three teams do have players that plenty of clubs will be looking at this summer – and here are three who Wolves ought to be taking a look at…
Elijah Adebayo (striker) – Luton Town
O’Neil really wanted to sign a striker in January, but the club’s financial situation proved very restrictive in the end.
He actually sanctioned the exits for Sasa Kalajdzic and Fabio Silva in anticipation that he would get someone in. But nothing materialised, and Wolves then really felt the pinch as key stars got injured.
Wolves are likely to make a move for a striker again this summer and at the moment, there is a lot of talk about Che Adams coming in from Southampton.
That seems like it’s going to happen, but there is certainly scope for another – and Elijah Adebayo would be a decent addition for Wolves.
The 26-year-old had a very respectable campaign for the Hatters, scoring 10 goals in the league in 27 appearances. As per the Guardian, Adebayo actually finished the season with the second-best conversion rate (32.2%) in the league, which is very impressive.
Wolves don’t currently have an out-and-out striker, and Adebayo is potentially the goal poacher and general handful O’Neil needs.
Jacob Bruun Larsen (winger) – Burnley
Burnley were very disappointing in 2023/24, considering the hype around them after their brilliant title-winning Championship season.
Vincent Kompany’s way of playing just did not transfer to the Premier League, and the Clarets went straight back down with a bit of a whimper. But one of their shining lights was winger Jacob Bruun Larsen.
The Denmark international is actually only on loan at Turf Moor having joined from the German side Hoffenheim. Burnley have an option to turn his move permanent, and the player has expressed his love for the club, but relegation could complicate things.
Wolves may want to think about stealing in. Bruun Larsen scored six Premier League goals, and added another in the Carabao Cup.
Wolves fans will remember one of those goals actually came against Wanderers back in early April, as he lashed home on the volley at the back post. It was a fabulous finish, and the mark of someone with technical quality and an eye for goal.
Bruun Larsen is by no means an output machine. But he could potentially make for a good squad option for Wolves, who are going to be needing some new wide players this summer.
Pedro Neto could well be sold, and Pablo Sarabia has also been linked with an exit. And loan players Daniel Podence and Goncalo Guedes will not be reintegrated into the squad.
Alfie Doughty (wing-back) – Luton Town
Wolves were actually linked with Alfie Doughty recently – and it would be great to see him make a move to Molineux this summer.
It would probably require one of Rayan Ait-Nouri or Hugo Bueno to leave the club. But Wolves should definitely turn to him if one of those players does depart.
Doughty really impressed throughout 2023/24 operating as a left wing-back for the Hatters.
The star scored two goals and made eight assists in the Premier League, and actually supplied 70 key passes which was the most of any defender in the division. Impressively, he was actually ninth of all players regardless of position in that metric.
Doughty puts a great ball into the box, and also takes a pretty decent corner.
If O’Neil can find a good penalty box poacher this summer, then Doughty – branded ‘different class’ this week by pundit Ally McCoist – should certainly be considered because he has shown he is definitely Premier League quality.