What Is the Manager's Top Priority?
For Rob Edwards, the goal for the second half of the season is simple: to improve the team's strength and ensure that he can lead Wolves into the next campaign.
This will require reshaping his squad to possess the experience and know-how needed to achieve results in the Premier League, something they have so far failed to do.
At this stage, surviving the relegation battle seems somewhat unrealistic, but Edwards still needs to pick up enough points in the remaining games to ensure that his club sticks to the current plan and lets him lead the team in the push for promotion next season.
Meanwhile, it is also crucial to make sure that the players who stay at the end of the season do not enter the English Football League (EFL) with low morale, which would prevent them from performing at their best.
Which Positions Will They Target in January?
In fact, for Wolves in the January transfer market, player characteristics matter more than positions.
They need experienced players with a clear mindset and strong mental toughness, who should be able to fight for survival even if relegation is almost a foregone conclusion.
Every position in the team needs strengthening, especially considering that several players are set to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations.
But reinforcements for some positions are more urgent. Wolves need wingers capable of taking on defenders one-on-one, a player who can fill the number 9 role, a right-back, and more midfield options.
Which Players Are They Looking to Sign?
Following the departures of former head coach Vítor Pereira and his assistant Domenico Tedesco, the club's plans have also changed. They have been replaced by Edwards and new technical director Matt Jackson.
However, given Wolves' current predicament, it is unlikely that they will be able to attract established Premier League players to join the club. Therefore, loaning players from higher-ranked Premier League clubs and signing players whose contracts are expiring from clubs of similar size seem to be the most feasible ways for them to strengthen the team in the short term.
Which Players Could They Sell?
There are several experienced veterans in the first team who are currently out of favor, and Wolves will consider selling them if the right offer comes along.
These include goalkeeper José Sá and forward Hwang Hee-chan.
If lucrative bids are received for midfielders André and João Gomes, Wolves may also have to make major decisions, as their market value is likely to be higher in January next year than in the summer.
West Ham United have also expressed interest in Jørgen Strand Larsen.
