Wolverhampton Wanderers continue to face intense transfer speculation as the club navigates potentially perilous times due to their position just above the relegation zone. After the recent winter transfer window, where they attempted multiple player movements and negotiations, the future of several key players remains uncertain as manager Vitor Pereira monitors both performances and contractual commitments.
One significant discussion has revolved around Craig Dawson and Conor Coady. According to the Daily Telegraph, Wolves sought to breathe new life back to their defense by negotiating a swap deal. Former captain Coady, who was sold to Leicester City during the summer of 2023 and played as part of their promotion back to the Premier League, was the focal point of this proposed transaction. Unfortunately, Leicester showed no inclination to entertain this trade, leaving Wolves to regroup amid their defense's inconsistent performances.
While Dawson started the season as Wolves' first choice and later fell out of favor with Pereira, the swap deal was merely one of many adjustments needed for Wolves as they battle to maintain their Premier League status. The central defender has only featured once under Pereira, signaling possible changes on the way as Wolves aim to revamp their squad.
Matheus Cunha's situation looms large over the club. After recently signing a long-term deal extension keeping him tied to Molineux until 2029, speculation remains rife about his future. Reports by Pete O'Rourke from Football Insider suggest Wolves will sell the Brazilian striker if relegation occurs. “Cunha will definitely be sold if Wolves are relegated, with clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United interested,” O'Rourke noted, emphasizing the attention the 25-year-old is attracting due to his 11 goals scored this season.
His contract features a hefty £62.5 million release clause, indicating Wolves' awareness of his market value even as they vie for survival. Clubs such as Arsenal are expected to be leading contenders for his signature should Wolves drop down to the EFL Championship—something they are painfully aware is still very much on the table.
Further complicate matters, Pereira's recent decisions point toward upcoming exits. Reportedly, the club is negotiating to terminate Craig Dawson’s contract outright since he doesn't fit the manager's strategic vision going forward. The same fate appears to await Sasa Kalajdzic, who has been sidelined due to injuries and has been left out of the squad entirely.
Kalajdzic's prospects looked grim as he has struggled with ACL injuries, limiting his appearances with the club to just 14 since signing from Stuttgart. Pereira articulated his rationale behind not including him, stating, “I cannot put pressure on because I think at this moment of his career, he needs to recover totally from the injury.” His prioritization of player health over immediate needs signals the manager's cautious approach with the team's rehabilitation process.
Overall, Wolverhampton Wanderers find themselves at a crossroad. With the specter of relegation looming, their preparation for the summer transfer window is increasingly urgent. The decisions they make now could have long-lasting effects on the club’s fate both on the pitch and financially. The ability to retain key players such as Cunha may well hinge on the coming months and their success at avoiding relegation.