Rob Edwards could revive a Wolves transfer policy, it worked for Julen Lopetegui and Gary O’Neil
Rob Edwards’ expected arrival at Wolves could bring about a change in transfer policy due to the agency that represents the 42-year-old.
Edwards is set to leave Middlesborough to join Wolves and replace Vitor Pereira as the clubs next permanent manager.
Wolves sacked Pereira after less than a year in charge following a 3-0 defeat for the Midlands club at Fulham.
The Old Gold are currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table with just two points from 11 matches, meaning the January transfer window will be pivotal for the new manager.
Wolves’ recruitment team have grown ‘frustrated’ at transfer policy
As per the Daily Mail, [11 November], Edwards is represented by Unique Sports Group which has previously been involved in transfer deals at Wolves.
It could signal a return to the club looking at British players, compared to the policy under Pereira to sign overseas talent.
“Edwards is also represented by Unique Sports Group, one of the world’s most significant agencies. When Lopetegui and O’Neil were at Wolves, USG were involved in several deals,” the Daily Mail explained.
“Some of the key signings were British – defender Craig Dawson and midfielder Tommy Doyle in 2023, and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in 2024.
“There is absolutely no suggestion of preferential treatment for the agency, but the signing of British players, and others with Premier League experience like Mario Lemina, may be revived.
“Under Pereira, Mendes’ Gestifute group had become more prominent again as Wolves made nine signings and turned the loan agreement for Jorgen Strand Larsen into a permanent move. Of those 10 players, not one was British and none had played previously in the Premier League.
“Wolves’ recruitment team have long been frustrated that their research is ignored by a succession of managers with their own ideas and the plan now is to give them more responsibility. Transfer chief Matt Jackson is likely to have a stronger voice.”
Wolves could revive summer transfer targets
Wolves could sign three Premier League stars in January, in a bid to retain their Premier League status.
The Daily Mail report that deals not pursued in the summer could be reignited: “Wolves opted not to pursue deals for David Brooks, Harry Wilson or Kyle Walker-Peters last summer – all players who would have improved this squad.
| Goals per match | 0.6 |
| Goals Conceded per match | 2.3 |
| Shots on target per match | 3.2 |
| Goalkeeper saves per match | 2.6 |
“Should similar deals be available in January, expect Wolves to be more decisive.
“Depending on Brooks’ involvement at Bournemouth, he may become a target again. There could be other handy short-term options, possibly on loan.
“Think Dwight McNeil, currently out of favour at Everton, or Harrison Reed, a steady Premier League performer who has struggled for playing time at Fulham since returning from injury.”