Who are the Wolves new signings and who are departing Molineux Stadium during the 2023 Summer transfer window?
Wolves have a huge summer ahead of them as they look to rebuild an aging squad and some big name departures, and fans are understandably anxious going into the new Premier League season.
This transfer window was always going to be one of change and transition, with many of the club's stars and high earners coming to the end of their contracts. It is now down to the hierarchy at Molineux to steer them through this tough period and get the right players in for the best price. Certainly a task that is easier said than done, and Wolves fans will be eagerly awaiting news on any new incomings.
For now, let’s take a look at all the confirmed ins and outs for Wolves so far this summer.
Wolves new signings: Summer 2023 arrivals
Matheus Cunha (Atlético Madrid)
Brazilian forward Cunha returns to Wolves for a €50m fee after a loan spell at the club last season. Wolves had an obligation to make the move permanent if certain conditions were met, and despite a return of just 2 goals in 20 matches, it seems his performances were enough to trigger the permanent deal.
With some major departures so far this summer and Wolves’ poor recent transfer history with big-money forwards, Cunha has a lot of weight on his shoulders. Fans can expect to see a lot more of the versatile forward this season and should start to see more of what he has to offer—a quality player who just needs a consistent run of games.
Boubacar Traoré (FC Metz)
Another player joins the wolf pack on the back of a loan spell that has now been made permanent. The 21-year-old Boubacar Traoré made 11 appearances for Wolves last season after joining on loan from FC Metz. It is unclear whether the permanent transfer was an obligation or option, but for under £10m, Wolves could have a future star on their hands.
The Mali-born midfielder has bags of technical ability and predominantly plays just in front of the back four. With many of the club's aging midfieldfielders heading for the exit door, Traoré could play a bigger role in the upcoming season. His age profile certainly suits the direction the club is trying to go this summer.
Matt Doherty (Atlético Madrid)
A man that needs no introduction to the Molineux faithful, Irish international full-back Matt Doherty returns to the club on a free transfer. Doherty is a true club legend, having spent over a decade at Wolves and making over 300 appearances in his first spell.
After a big move to Spurs back in 2020, Doherty never really got going and was able to hold down a consistent place in the squad. Earlier this year in a move that shocked many, Doherty left Spurs and sign a short-term deal at Atletico Madrid.
After just 16 minutes of playing time in Madrid, Doherty returns to the club he called home for many years and will provide Wolves with some well needed depth and heaps of experience. A no-brainer transfer for both parties.
Enso Gonzalez's – (Libertad)
Wolves have made a late move in the window, joining Wolves from Paraguayan side Libertad on a five-year deal. The 18-year-old winger has made 39 appearances for his former club, scoring three goals and assisting twice. Having first broke into the starting squad in September 2022. For now, it looks like Wolves might use Gonzalez as part of the squad rather than loaning him out.
Santiago Bueno – (Girona)
Another signing for Wolves on deadline-day-eve as they signed Uruguay defender Santiago Bueno from Girona. At just 24, Bueno has made two international caps for his national side, and now signs a five-year contract with Wolves. Signing for £10m on a six-year deal, Bueno will look to force his way into the Wolves squad.
Wolves' notable transfer departures
Ruben Neves (Al Hilal)
A departure that the Molineux faithful have been dreading for many years has finally come to fruition. However, the destination is not one that many would have predicted.
Midfield maestro Ruben Neves has left the club for a fee of around €55m to sign for Al Hilal. Neves joins a huge list of players to join the Saudi Pro League this summer, with Al Hilal reportedly paying the Portugal international £300,00 per week.
A sad ending to an amazing six-year spell with Wolves, with attention now turning to sourcing a replacement for a player that has been so important to the club.
Nathan Collins (Brentford)
Towering defender Nathan Collins had a fantastic season last campaign and forged a formidable partnership with Max Killman in the heart of Wolves’ defence.
The club did not have plans to let Collins go, but when Brentford came in with a bid of £23m, both parties agreed on a deal. Collins becomes The Bees record transfer and now leaves a huge gap to fill with Wolves now desperate for more defensive depth.
Conor Coady (Leicester City)
After spending last season on loan at Everton, Conor Coady has now left Wolves on a permanent transfer after making over 300 appearances for the club across eight years.
Coady joins Leicester City for a reported £8.5m fee, leaving the club as a cult hero who played a massive part of a hugely successful period for the club.
With Collins and Coady now gone, The Wanderers now just have Max Kilman and Craig Dawson left as recognised center backs. Defensive transfers must now be a priority, with the new Premier League season now just a few weeks aways.
Other departures
Several other first-team players have also left Wolves this summer with the re-build in full swing. Whilst the club have managed to cut some big wages off their bill, the experienced players they have lost are going to be very hard to replace.
See below for the full list of other Wolves departures this summer:
- Raul Jimenez (Fulham – £5.5m)
- Ryan Giles (Luton – £5m)
- Diego Costa (Released)
- João Moutinho (Released)
- Adama Traoré (Released)
- Hayao Kawabe (Standard Liegé – £1m)
- Ki-Jana Hoever (Stoke City – Loan)
- Chiquinho (Stoke City – Loan)
- Louis Moulden (Rochdale – Loan)