Wolves have made a decision on one star’s future as Gary O’Neil gets to work on bolstering his squad.
It’s poised to be a busy summer at Molineux as Gary O’Neil begins his hunt for much-needed reinforcements.
Wolves navigated their way through the 2023/24 campaign with a small squad, with depth needed in the upcoming transfer window.
As well as needing to sign new players, there will be a hope that key figures can be retained, with several stars having their futures speculated.
This week, a decision was made on the future of one of O’Neil’s loanees, a call that could prove to be a smart move ahead of next season.
Chiquinho will return to Wolves this summer
Ahead of the summer transfer window, O’Neil admitted that he’d never been at a club that had so many players on loan.
Wolves had 15 talents out on loan over the 2023/24 campaign, one of which being Chiquinho, who spent time at both Stoke City and Famalicao over the season.
Now, Express and Star report that a decision has been made to hand the 24-year-old the chance to impress during pre-season.
The winger was linked with a move to Sporting CP however, E&S understand that no conversations have taken place regarding a permanent transfer.
O’Neil will be eager to assess the talent available to him at Molineux during the summer, with the report detailing what it will take to make it under the manager.
For Chiquinho, it’s claimed that his Wolves future will depend on if he wants to play for the club as well as being capable of making a mark on O’Neil.
Gary O’Neil could have Pablo Sarabia’s heir with Chiquinho
Having made eight Premier League appearances for Wolves, Chiquinho will hope to make an impact under O’Neil in the coming months.
In his eight appearances in the top flight, the 24-year-old has recorded three assists, including two against Chelsea in 2022, via Transfermarkt.
The Portuguese talent was lauded as ‘incredible’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his performance on the day against the Blues, hinting that he has the ability to play at the top level in his locker.
It could be an interesting time for Chiquinho to take hold of his chance at Wolves, with a possible vacancy available in O’Neil’s squad next season.
There has been speculation over the future of two of Wolves’ wingers ahead of next term, with both Pedro Neto and Pablo Sarabia uncertain of being a part of the manager’s plans.
READ MORE: Wolves double down on Pedro Neto summer transfer stance as clear asking price is set
While Neto could be sold if interest accumulates, Sarabia could be offloaded due to his high wage bill.
Now, Chiquinho should see the current climate of Wolves’ wingers as a chance to make it at Molineux, with his numbers whilst on loan at Famalicao particularly impressive.
The versatile winger contributed to seven goals in 27 appearances in Liga Portugal, showing a strong presence on the flank when in possession, in front of goal and in building play, as seen above.
If Sarabia was to depart, there would be a void to fill in O’Neil’s depth in attack, one that Chiquinho has shown he is capable of filling if his attitude fits what the manager wants.
It will be an interesting summer for Wolves’ returning loanees, who all have a point to prove to the boss ahead of next season.