For Wolves fans, August has always been a bit of a nightmare.
Since their Premier League return in 2018, they’ve only managed one win in 20 matches during this month.
That’s the kind of record that puts you on the back foot before the season even gets going.
But this time around, under head coach Vitor Pereira, there’s cautious optimism that things might finally change.
A Calmer Preseason for Once
Compared to the chaos of recent summers, things feel relatively calm at Molineux.
There’s no dramatic manager exit, no big budget standoff, and Wolves believe they’ve done some sensible business in the transfer market.
They still plan to bring in up to four more players, but the strategy this time is more thought-out, avoiding the rushed mistakes of the past.
A Rebuilding Job, On and Off the Pitch
The club is trying to win back the fans who admire Pereira but remain frustrated with the ownership, particularly chairman Jeff Shi.
This summer saw key names like Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Nelson Semedo leave, which has left a few glaring holes in the squad.
But Wolves are sticking to a plan: investing in youth and potential rather than headline names.
New Faces and Bright Potential
One new signing who’s been turning heads is Fer Lopez.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder cost £20million from Celta Vigo, which raised a few eyebrows considering his limited experience.
But coaches are loving what they see — tall, combative, and already adjusting well to life in England.
Then there’s Jhon Arias, the 27-year-old Colombian forward personally backed by Pereira.
He’s a bit older than Wolves’ usual profile, but the club hopes he can bring the flair that Cunha once offered.
Another intriguing arrival is David Moller Wolfe, who had to pass what staff jokingly call the “Vitor test.”
Basically, if a player doesn’t fit Pereira’s clear tactical vision, they won’t be joining.
Pereira’s Clear Vision
Pereira is all about structure. He favors a three-man defense with aggressive wing-backs and tough central midfielders who protect the back line.
While some fans worry his system might be too rigid, staff are encouraged by his clarity and confidence.
In fact, many long-time Wolves employees see echoes of the Nuno Espírito Santo era — a time when Wolves achieved back-to-back seventh-place finishes and made impressive cup runs.
What’s the Deal With His Contract?
Even though fans are anxious about another managerial drama, the club doesn’t seem too worried.
Pereira hasn’t signed a new deal yet, but unlike some of his predecessors, he isn’t eyeing other jobs.
Wolves plan to revisit contract talks after the transfer window closes, which feels like a smart, low-drama approach.
Still Some Gaps to Fill
Of all the departures, Semedo is the one Pereira would have liked to keep.
So a new right wing-back is high on the list. Wolves had their eye on Marc Pubill and Juanlu Sanchez, but both look to be heading elsewhere.
Milan van Ewijk is another possibility, but not a top target.
Other gaps include a versatile forward, midfield depth behind Joao Gomes and Andre, and a left-footed centre-back.
But it’s hard to attract top talent for backup roles, so some of these additions might come late in the window or on loan.
Who Might Still Leave?
Wolves have already cleared some big salaries by moving on Cunha, Semedo, Pablo Sarabia, and Goncalo Guedes.
Fabio Silva could be next, with Dortmund in talks for a £22m move.
Hwang Hee-chan may also be sold if the right offer comes in, although he previously resisted a drop to the Championship.
Why Did Transfer Business Start So Late?
Much of the early summer was spent reducing the wage bill.
Plus, with new director of professional football Domenico Teti only coming in mid-June, the leadership team is still settling in.
Unlike last year when Matt Hobbs called the shots alone, there’s now a five-man team ensuring clear communication and smarter recruitment.
Arias, for example, was a direct Pereira pick based on his experience managing against him in Brazil.
Lopez had been tracked for years. Moller Wolfe came through the recruitment team but won Pereira’s approval.
Behind the Scenes Upgrades
It’s not just the squad getting attention. The club has upgraded its training ground with improved medical facilities and lighting designed to enhance mood and sleep.
New screens have been added in dressing rooms for clearer tactical presentations.
It may sound small, but the club believes these changes add up to a better professional environment.
Teti’s arrival has also smoothed communication across departments, a big shift from the more fractured decision-making of the past.
The hope is this structure helps Wolves avoid the early-season chaos that plagued them last year.
Learning from Mistakes
There’s a clear focus on avoiding past errors.
Take last season, when Wolves struggled with squad harmony and picked the wrong captain in Mario Lemina. Under the new structure, that wouldn’t have happened.
The club is also more selective now. For instance, they could have pushed harder for Pubill but sensed he wasn’t fully committed.
Similarly, talk of relegation clauses in the Sanchez deal raised red flags.
Another encouraging sign: Pereira and his team live just five minutes from the training ground. That kind of presence matters.
A Quiet Revolution?
No one expects fans to suddenly forgive Shi or Fosun.
But Wolves believe this quieter, more professional rebuild could finally steer the club away from the drama of recent years. Results will be the ultimate judge, of course.
But if Pereira and his team can stay the course, Wolves may finally have the stability they’ve craved.