Wolverhampton Wanderers face a pivotal January transfer window as they battle to avoid Premier League relegation. Sitting rock bottom of the table and 12 points from safety, the club is yet to secure a league win this season.
New Manager's Daunting Task
The arrival of new head coach Rob Edwards has done little to change fortunes so far. Edwards left a promising position at Championship side Middlesbrough to take on one of English football's most challenging jobs. Last season, January signings like Marshall Munetsi and Emmanuel Agbadou were instrumental in a survival push, but the task this year appears far more difficult.
Four Potential January Arrivals at Molineux
With only seven league goals in 14 matches, attacking reinforcements are the top priority. Current striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has managed just one Premier League goal, prompting Wolves to scour the market.
Troy Parrott is a key target. The Republic of Ireland international, currently with AZ Alkmaar, was subject to bids over £20 million last summer. At 23, the former Tottenham prospect could be poised for a return to England, with Wolves and Leeds United reportedly interested.
Another option is Promise David, the 6ft 4" Union Saint-Gilloise striker. Valued at around £17.5 million, the 24-year-old has Champions League experience this season and represents a potentially cost-effective solution.
In a longer-term move, Wolves have reportedly agreed a pre-contract deal for 21-year-old Chinese midfielder Xu Bin. The Qingdao West Coast player is expected to be loaned out immediately in January as he awaits a UK work permit.
The final potential arrival is 19-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Riquelme Phillipi. Despite a new contract at Palmeiras containing an £87 million release clause, the club's financial needs and Wolves' strong track record with young Brazilian talent could facilitate a move. He would qualify for the youth squad, avoiding non-homegrown player registration issues.
Four Deals That Look Unlikely for Wolves
Not every linked player is expected to materialise in a gold shirt this winter. Niclas Fullkrug of West Ham United has been mentioned, but a move seems improbable. West Ham are also in the relegation fight and selling a striker to a direct rival would be a major risk. The injury-prone German is more likely to return to the Bundesliga.
Celtic's Daizen Maeda is another forward linked with a Premier League switch. However, the 28-year-old Japanese international has no experience in England and may favour less pressurised moves to clubs like Brentford or Everton, if he leaves Scotland at all.
A return for Ivan Toney has been speculated, given Wolves' past interest. However, reports indicate the former Brentford striker is unlikely to leave the Saudi Pro League in January, dealing a blow to several English clubs including local rivals Aston Villa.
Finally, a loan move for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford appears off the table. Sources indicate the player desires game time at a club "pushing upwards," not one in a relegation scrap. Having suffered relegation with Burnley in 2023/24, Trafford's camp are wary of another damaging season so early in his career.
A Window of Last Hope
For Wolves, the January transfer window represents the final realistic chance to orchestrate a great escape. The success or failure of their recruitment could definitively shape their Premier League future, with the club requiring a historic turnaround to survive.
