Wolves' 2025 pre-season could hardly have gone worse. Four friendlies, zero wins, and a mounting sense of unease among supporters have cast a shadow over the Premier League campaign ahead. While pre-season is often dismissed as a time for experimentation and keeping up fitness levels, the manner of Wolves' performances is a cause for concern.
We lose to Celta Vigo.
— Wolves (@Wolves) August 9, 2025
🐺⏱️ pic.twitter.com/GesEZMj7TP
Patterns of concern
The warning signs have been consistent. Defensive lapses have proved costly, whether in the first half against Stoke, the second against Lens, or in Girona's quick-fire double. In attack, Wolves have often looked blunt, with promising moves breaking down long before they troubled the opposition goalkeepers. Even the home clash this weekend against Celta Vigo, a game free for season ticket holders, lacked the intensity and support fans expected. Nathan Judah of the Express & Star said: "This game was free to season ticket holders & it still cost too much" Liam Keen, also of the Express & Star, has also added: "Wolves are rolling the dice with the lack of summer business."
A squad in transition
This pre-season slump comes after a summer of upheaval. Departures of key players such as Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri have stripped Wolves of some creativity and stability. While some reinforcements have arrived, it has been reported that Wolves are targeting four more signings before the transfer window closes: a right wing-back, a left wing-back, a central midfielder and another striker. But with the clock ticking and only days until the season starts, a difficult encounter against Manchester City, securing the right players at the right price becomes increasingly difficult.
The Perils Of Late Business
August arrivals can be a double-edged sword. They can plug urgent gaps, but often come at inflated prices with very little time to adapt. Dropping new signings into a squad still learning Vítor Pereira's tactical demands risks slow starts, something Wolves can ill afford after last season's relegation scare. Fan sentiment is also turning. Social media is filled with calls for decisive action, with many pointing to the lack of cutting-edge in pre-season as a warning sign that the club must act fast.
History has shown that poor pre-seasons don't always lead to poor campaigns; many sides recover quickly once the competitive games start. Yet there is no denying that Wolves look short in several areas.
The next few weeks will define the Molineux outfits early season. The recruitment team must weigh up the urgency for fresh faces against the risk of panic buying. Pereira's ability to integrate any new arrivals smoothly will be key to whether this summer slump is remembered as a meaningless blip or the first chapter in a season of struggle.
For now, the alarm bells are ringing. The question is whether Wolves will respond with measured reinforcements or a desperate roll of the dice.
