Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a good start to the 2023/24 season, picking up eight points from their first eight Premier League games.
Gary O’Neil’s team will be hoping to build on a surprising 2-1 win against Manchester City and a hard-fought 1-1 draw with local rivals Aston Villa, which put them in 14th place and just four points off the top half.
The international break in October has allowed fans to reflect on the campaign’s start. There has also been time to reflect on which players have impressed the most and least.
Although a point per game has historically been sufficient to avoid relegation, Wolves may wish to improve in the January transfer window. There are also players who are gaining popularity and those who have fewer minutes.
With that in mind, here are six individuals who are likely to depart this winter as well as three who theoretically could go but we believe will definitely stay.
1. Pedro Neto – could leave
Wolves are adamant they want to keep hold of their star winger but a record fee could pry him away. Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa all have a serious interest after one goal and five assists so far in 2023/24.
2. Fabio Silva – could leave
The young Portuguese forward has been given the odd opportunity at the start of the season but he’s not been anywhere near clinical enough to gain consistent game time. Departing in the summer was considered but didn’t come into fruition. It could be a different story this winter.
3. Joe Hodge – could leave
Could play in the FA Cup this term but is unlikely to feature in the premier League. At 21 years of age, it could make sense for Hodge to earn his first loan move in January. The Championship – or League One – would likely suit his skillset well.
4. Pablo Sarabia – could leave
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla man arrived expecting to be a key player but has been far from it, resorted to the bench for most matches. If things don’t improve soon, Sarabia could request a winter transfer.
5. Bruno Jordão – could leave
Quite the forgotten man, 25-year-old Jordão has played just five games for Wolves since signing in August 2019. He’s had a succession of loans but has been playing with the Wanderers under-23s this term. Moving on surely is the best solution.
6. Jonny Otto – could leave
Still a decent player but has definitely fallen down the left-back pecking order. Rayan Ait-Nouri and Hugo Bueno are both higher up in the hierarchy, meaning Jonny’s minutes will continue to be reduced. Leaving in January could make sense for all parties.
7. Rayan Ait-Nouri – won’t leave
From one full-back to another, Ait-Nouri is now set to stay at Wolves rather than leave. The Algerian was an outcast under Julen Lopetegui and was heavily linked with a move away but he’s gained confidence under Gary O’Neil.
8. Hwang Hee-chan – won’t leave
Wanderers’ top scorer was linked with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Wolfsburg in the summer but has kicked on and is loving life at Molineux. It would take a huge fee to see him go and it’s unlikely he’d depart mid-season.
9. Tom King – won’t leave
The goalkeeper hasn’t made a single competitive appearance since signing from Northampton Town in the summer. From first glance, some may wonder why King would be keen to stay without any game time whatsoever, but he joined knowing he’d definitely be third choice.
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