Arias and Strand Larsen start: how Wolves' mighty side with new signings could look for opener vs Man City
Wolves are preparing for their first full season under Vitor Pereira
Wolverhampton Wanderers have some big decisions to make on the transfer front after the departures of Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester City and Matheus Cunha to Manchester United.
The pair were among Wolves most productive players last season and leaves huge holes in the squad for Vitor Pereira to fill as he prepares for his first full season at Molineux.
Pereira have already shown plenty of promise as a manager after taking the reins from Gary O’Neil and will hope that he can steer the Old Gold into the upper echelons of the Premier League table after flirting with relegation for large chunks of last term.
With that in mind, we take a look at how Wolves could line-up on the opening day of the 2025/26 season against Manchester City.
Goalkeeper and defence
GK: Jose Sa: The 32-year-old appears to be much more settled at Wolves then he was 12 months ago under Gary O’Neil. He’s been the first choice under Vitor Pereira since the New Year and is likely to remain between the sticks with one or both of Dan Bentley and Sam Johnstone potentially being sold.
CB: Emmanuel Agbadou: Ethan Agbadou was a game-changing signing in January, who brought plenty of steel and consistency to a Wolves backline that had been leaking goals in the first half of the season. He’s likely to feature regularly and will be expected to have yet another big season as the Old Gold try and climb the Premier League ladder.
CB: Toti Gomes: The Portuguese international is now a regular in the Wolves backline and has recently enjoyed one his best seasons to date. He’s likely to feature regularly again in Vitor Pereira’s favoured back three.
CB: Thomas Thiesson Kristensen (signing): Birmingham World understands that Wolves have reignited their interest in Thomas Thiesson Kristensen after an unsuccessful effort to sign the Danish defender back in January. However, they are likely to face competition from FC Como and Bournemouth this summer.
LWB: Hugo Bueno: Wolves arguably already have a ready-made replacement in the form of Hugo Bueno in their ranks and ready to stake a claim for a starting spot throughout pre-season. He impressed during his loan spell at Feyenoord, gaining Champions League experience and playing in the wing-back role.
RWB: Vladimir Coufal (signing): Wolves have missed out on the chance to sign Kyle Walker-Peters as he prepares for a medical with Besiktas. However, one potential alternative could be Vladimir Coufal. The Czech international is Premier League proven experienced and out of contract.
Midfield and attack
CM: Andre: Brazil international Andre enjoyed a solid debut campaign after arriving from Fluminense and is expected to have an even bigger role to play next term. He’s been linked with a move to Juventus but is described by Sky Sports as a player that is untouchable in the eyes of the Wolves boss.
CM: Joao Gomes: Fellow Brazilian Joao Gomes is expected to resume his midfield partnership with countrymen Andre when the season gets underway. He’s another that’s attracted interest from elsewhere but has already committed his future by penning a new deal.
CAM: Fer Lopez: Wolves splashed out £23m to bring Fer Lopez to the club from Celta Vigo. The youngster caught the eye last season with his dynamic dribbling and is seen as someone with the potential to do really well at Molineux.
CAM: Jhon Arias (signing) Wolves, according to recent reports, have had an offer of around £15m accepted for Colombian international Jhon Arias. He’s a former Copa Libertadores winner and a former teammate of Andre. He’s renowned for his versatility and can play through the middle as a No.10 and out wide on the right hand side.
St: Jorgen Strand Larsen: Norwegian forward Jorgen Strand Larsen showcased his credentials with 14 goals last season to earn himself a permanent move to Molineux. The powerful forward will hope to continue where he left off this season and is likely to have huge responsibilities following the departure of Matheus Cunha.
Full Wolves predicted line-up: Sa, Agbadou, Toti, Kristansen, Bueno, Coufal, Andre, Gomes, Arias, Lopez, Strand Larsen.