Comment: Wolves can afford to take their time with transfers

After all, while fans are naturally craving the announcement of a big-time transfer, one of the most well-known expressions around is that good things come to those who wait, writes Joe Edwards.

Last summer, things were different, but Nuno Espirito Santo’s charges were not in the privileged position they currently find themselves in.

Just arriving back at the top level, statement signings were a matter of urgency to thrive in the Premier League.

Willy Boly’s loan from Porto was made permanent on June 1, Raul Jimenez arrived on loan from Benfica on June 12 and Euro 2016-winning goalkeeper Rui Patricio was brought in after his Sporting Lisbon departure on June 18.

But now, on the back of finishing seventh in the league, reaching the FA Cup semi-finals and getting into Europe, Wolves have bought themselves some time.

We are at the end of June, and no fresh faces have come through the door as Nuno and Co – in all honesty – do not need to change things all that much.

They are on the hunt for a striker and a defender, while some would also like to see another midfielder, and perhaps even another wing-back, enter the fray.

The foundations are in place, though. None of the Wolves regulars need replacing.

It is ever-so-tempting to wonder who could come in.

And Wolves have been linked with dozens of names over the past couple of months in a variety of positions.

Seeing Wolves’ name mentioned in the same breath of players such as Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez on social media and a whole host of transfer rumour websites is enough to whet anyone’s appetite.

Portuguese striker Andre Silva – as is the case every window – is another such outlets continue to link Wolves with.

Bale flying down the flanks at Molineux or Rodriguez working his magic between the lines, it is the stuff of dreams.

But the reality of Jimenez and Diogo Jota working together to a tee up front, Joao Moutinho displaying his silky skills in behind, Ruben Neves and Leander Dendoncker marshalling the midfield, Matt Doherty and Jonny Castro Otto working tirelessly out wide, Boly, Conor Coady and Ryan Bennett being solid at the back and Patricio providing a calming presence between the sticks is pretty sweet.

And with Ruben Vinagre and Morgan Gibbs-White, the future appears to bright.

Wolves are not at the top of the pecking order when it comes to recruiting players.

The big six are still some way ahead, despite the fact Nuno’s side mixed it up comfortably with them last term, when it comes to attracting the top stars. But Wolves can certainly afford to pick and choose.

Nuno has often spoken about only recruiting players who will bring something fresh to the table, and he is not going to stray from his idea of having a small squad which worked so well last term.

It is a case of continuing what brought Wolves to the dance while steadily adding quality along the way.

Fosun have grand ambitions, but they know one bad signing could knock things off course.

Due diligence is being carried out over every new recruit in terms of what they bring on and off the pitch.

Quality over quantity looks to be the way things are headed. My money is on that approach bearing fruit.