FIVE-POINT PLAN

1 STRETCH THE CLUB’S RESOURCES

Regularly infiltrating the top six is an enormous task for a side such as Wolves. They have an unofficial partner club in Swiss outfit Grasshoppers, which could prove useful, and Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute connections should be used further as the club look to delve deeper into the Asian and South American player markets.

2 BUILD A BIGGER SQUAD

Nuno always wanted a small squad to keep every player involved, but a plethora of under- 23 players were needed to fill out the bench towards the end of last season when injuries bit hardest. Technical director Scott Sellars insisted the group will be expanded to cope with top- tier demands, although early moves were thin on the ground. Winger Francisco Trincao has signed on a year- long loan from Barcelona.

3 BALANCE YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE

It’s understandable Wolves want to invest in youth rather than buying players with no resale value, especially with Lage’s proven record in developing them. But they do require a few more in their prime who are ready to hit the ground running, rather than jetting in with a potential tag on their luggage. Last season, Wolves gave the Premier League’s highest percentage of minutes to under- 21s. That naivety showed.

4 REFRESH THE DEFENCE

On several occasions last season, Wolves fielded two or three centre- backs who are midfielders by trade ( Leander Dendoncker, Conor Coady, Romain Saiss). It’s an area of the team that hasn’t had an upgrade since promotion, and options need to arrive with natural defensive nous. Willy Boly’s absence with long COVID proved telling in 2020- 21.

5 INJECT SOME GOALS

Last term, Wolves lost Diogo Jota early and Raul Jimenez, 30 goals in the previous two campaigns, played only 10 games before his horrifying injury. Wolves struck 25 times in 28 games after that, with joint top scorers Pedro Neto and Ruben Neves mustering five each – the joint fewest of any team’s top marksmen last season.