Wolverhampton Wanderers are gearing up for life back in the Championship after suffering relegation from the Premier League, and it has already been a summer full of change at Molineux.
Following a disastrous campaign that saw Wolves finish bottom of the Premier League with just three wins from 38 matches, the club have also changed managers. Vitor Pereira was dismissed during the season and replaced by Rob Edwards, but Edwards’ spell proved short-lived as he was relieved of his duties last month.
The club have now turned to former Gil Vicente boss Cesar Peixoto, who arrives after guiding the Portuguese side to an impressive sixth-place finish in Liga Portugal. He now faces the challenge of rebuilding Wolves and leading them back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
While Wolves are among the favourites for promotion, the squad is still expected to undergo changes before the Championship season begins. Several players are attracting interest elsewhere, while others are approaching the final year of their contracts, leaving their long-term futures uncertain.
Here are six players who could be playing their final season at Molineux if their situations remain unchanged.
Jose Sa
Experienced goalkeeper Jose Sa is one of the biggest names whose future remains unclear following relegation.
The Portugal international has been Wolves’ first-choice goalkeeper since joining from Olympiacos in 2021 and has made 170 appearances, keeping 40 clean sheets. The 33-year-old was also part of Portugal’s World Cup squad as backup goalkeeper.
Reports have linked him with a move to Turkish giants Besiktas, and after appearing emotional while acknowledging supporters at the end of last season, there is growing speculation that this could be his final campaign at the club unless a new contract is agreed.
Dan Bentley
Fellow goalkeeper Dan Bentley also enters the final year of his current deal.
Since arriving from Bristol City in 2023, Bentley has struggled for regular first-team football, making just 15 appearances in all competitions. Despite his vast Championship experience, much will depend on how highly Peixoto rates him during the coming season.
Without increased opportunities, Bentley could leave on a free transfer next summer.
Ki-Jana Hoever
Dutch full-back Ki-Jana Hoever also faces an uncertain future.
The former Liverpool youngster has spent much of his Wolves career out on loan, representing Stoke City, Auxerre and Sheffield United. Competition has now increased further following the arrival of experienced right-back Kieran Trippier.
After struggling to establish himself during Wolves’ relegation campaign, Hoever may eventually seek a permanent move elsewhere if his playing time remains limited.
Boubacar Traore
Midfielder Boubacar Traore has endured a difficult couple of years after showing real promise during his early spell at Wolves.
The Mali international suffered a serious knee injury in 2024 that restricted him to just one league appearance before returning to former club Metz on loan last season.
Peixoto could hand him a fresh opportunity to revive his Wolves career, but with his contract winding down, the coming season could play a major role in determining his future.
Tawanda Chirewa
Young winger Tawanda Chirewa also has plenty to prove.
The Zimbabwe international has featured 12 times for Wolves’ senior side but has struggled to make a significant impact during loan spells with Derby County, Huddersfield Town and Barnsley.
Having previously impressed with Wolves’ Under-21s, where he scored 11 goals in 21 matches, the 22-year-old will be hoping this season provides the breakthrough he has been waiting for.
Sasa Kalajdzic
Completing the list is striker Sasa Kalajdzic, whose time at Wolves has been severely disrupted by injury.
The Austrian forward joined from Stuttgart for £15 million in 2022 but has suffered three ACL injuries since arriving, preventing him from establishing himself in the team.
However, there were encouraging signs during his loan spell with LASK last season, where he registered seven goals and 11 assists in 27 appearances. He also found the net for Austria at the 2026 World Cup.
With Wolves boasting plenty of attacking options, Kalajdzic now faces a huge season as he looks to prove he can still become an important player under Peixoto.
