Newly appointed Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Rob Edwards is preparing for a crucial January transfer window as he attempts to rescue the club from their Premier League predicament. The former Watford and Luton Town boss has agreed to leave Middlesbrough to take charge at Molineux, inheriting a team in serious trouble.
Wolves' Desperate Situation
Edwards arrives at a club sitting bottom of the Premier League table and winless in their first 11 fixtures of the season. Following their defeat to Chelsea before the international break, the Midlands club finds themselves in the drop zone alongside West Ham and Nottingham Forest. Most concerningly, Wolves are eight points from safety, with Burnley sitting in 11th place.
The new manager will have the opportunity to make signings in the January transfer window and will also be able to sell players if needed. With Wolves having conceded far too many goals this season, strengthening the squad is an absolute priority.
Middlesbrough Duo on Edwards' Radar
Having just left Middlesbrough, Edwards possesses intimate knowledge of two players who could significantly improve his new squad. Hayden Hackney, the 23-year-old midfielder, appears to be his primary target despite significant competition for his signature.
According to TBR Football, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and Hove Albion, Brentford and Fulham are all keen on the player. His price tag is said to be around the £20 million mark, representing a substantial investment for the struggling club.
Hackney has spent his entire career at Middlesbrough, rising through their academy ranks to make 130 appearances in all competitions, contributing 13 goals. The former England youth international would inject much-needed quality into Wolves' starting XI.
Edwards is also expected to target Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry. The 28-year-old experienced centre-back has played 275 matches for his current team and would immediately tighten up Wolves' leaky defence. If Wolves were to suffer relegation, Fry would provide them with one of the most solid centre-backs in the Football League ready for the Championship campaign.
Familiar Faces from Watford and Luton
Edwards' brief spell at Watford could yield another potential signing in Imran Louza. The Moroccan international midfielder, who has 15 caps for his country, has been in impressive form for the Hornets.
Since joining Watford from Nantes in 2021, Louza has made 109 appearances and become a key player. This season he has particularly caught the eye with six goals and three assists, making him an ideal candidate to bolster Wolves' midfield options.
Another player from Edwards' past is Ryan Giles, whom he signed during his tenure at Luton Town. The left-back is a product of Wolves' own academy but only made one first-team appearance for the club before embarking on loans to Cardiff City, Rotherham United and Middlesbrough.
Now at Hull City, Giles has recorded the most assists in the league from left-back this season. He could represent an astute signing for his former club, particularly if they face the prospect of Championship football next season.
The January transfer window represents a critical opportunity for Rob Edwards to put his stamp on the Wolves squad and address the glaring weaknesses that have left them anchored to the bottom of the Premier League table.
