Where do Wolves need to bolster?
In just one week the transfer window will close until January.
Wolves’ business for the summer certainly isn’t done yet – so where should Nuno Espirito Santo strengthen between now next Thursday?
With three senior goalkeepers already at the club that position is covered, but what about elsewhere?
Central defence
Current players: Willy Boly, Conor Coady, Romain Saiss, Danny Batth, Ryan Bennett, Kortney Hause
In terms of numbers Wolves have enough, with Romain Saiss set to replace Roderick Miranda as the sixth centre-half, a position he plays for Morocco.
It’s a surprise that they haven’t (yet) spent big on a top class player in this area although Wolves’ defence was imperious last year.
Bennett can feel hard done by if he’s (unlike John Ruddy and Barry Douglas who’ve been replaced by new signings) dropped down the pecking order to a converted midfielder.
A back three of Bennett/Saiss – Coady – Boly, supported by the defensively-minded Matt Doherty and Jonny Castro and with protection from central midfield, looks good enough to start the season.
Urgency to strengthen: 3/10
Wing back
Current players: Matt Doherty, Jonny Castro, Ruben Vinagre
The shock sale of Barry Douglas leaves Wolves with only two seasoned wing backs at the club.
Castro and Doherty can both play on either flank but with Phil Ofosu-Ayeh not part of the plans Wolves are short of cover. An injury to Doherty would be disastrous.
Ruben Vinagre has huge potential but probably isn’t ready for the Premier League yet, likewise Ryan Giles who has starred in pre-season.
Urgency to strengthen: 9/10
Central midfield
Current players: Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Morgan Gibbs-White
If Saiss is to be a regular at centre half then strengthening in this area is important – Neves and Moutinho aren’t going to play every minute of 38 matches.
Gibbs-White has matured since last year and will be a good attacking option from the bench. He’s certainly good enough for the squad, but Wolves do need a physical alternative to Neves and Moutinho.
An Alfred N’Diaye-type player would be ideal.
Urgency to strengthen: 8/10
Up front
Current players: Diogo Jota, Raul Jimenez, Ivan Cavaleiro, Leo Bonatini, Helder Costa, Bright Enobakhare
In Jota, Cavaleiro and Costa Wolves possess three forwards capable of turning a match on their own.
If Wolves have the Bonatini of late 2017 rather than the early 2018 Bonatini then he’ll be an asset too, while Jimenez looks a similar type of player to the Brazilian but more explosive in and around the box.
A pursuit of Adama Traore continues but there’s no point strengthening in this area if Wolves aren’t improving on what they’ve already got. At £18m is Traore A) Better than Jota/Costa/Cavaleiro or B) Good value?
Urgency to strengthen: 5/10
