The 2024/25 campaign was a rollercoaster for Wolverhampton Wanderers, marked by early struggles and a remarkable turnaround. Under Gary O’Neil, Wolves endured a dismal start, failing to win any of their first ten matches and securing a measly nine points from sixteen games, leaving them adrift in the relegation zone.
A Season Of Two Halves
The season began under a cloud for O’Neil, still at the helm after a respectable but inconsistent 2023/24 campaign, where Wolves won only one of their final ten fixtures. Hopes were cautiously optimistic that Wolves could push into mid-table, but those dreams quickly turned into a nightmare. A dreadful run of form led to O’Neil’s dismissal in December 2024.
Vítor Pereira’s appointment on December 19th proved pivotal. Pereira’s Premier League debut resulted in a 3-0 victory over Leicester City, and his tenure sparked a resurgence, with Wolves securing 32 points from the next 18 league fixtures, including a six-match winning streak that was the club’s longest top-flight run since 1970. This surge ensured Premier League survival with five games remaining.
Tactical Evolution And Key Players
Pereira implemented a structured 3-4-2-1 formation, enhancing both defensive solidity and attacking fluidity. Summer signing Jørgen Strand Larsen, on loan from Celta Vigo, provided a physical presence up front, while Matheus Cunha added creativity and unpredictability. Midfielders João Gomes and André provided energy and composure, making a significant contribution to the team’s improved performances. Captain Nélson Semedo led by example, anchoring the defence and contributing offensively. Pablo Sarabia, despite announcing his departure at the end of the season, remained influential, scoring a historic free kick from the bench at Old Trafford.
Transfer Movements And Financial Considerations
Wolves’ 2024/25 season was shaped heavily by both the summer outgoings and the mid-season reinforcements made to avert a deepening crisis. The club suffered significant losses in the summer transfer window. Captain Max Kilman joined West Ham United in a big-money move, leaving a leadership void in the backline. Creative spark Pedro Neto also departed, joining Chelsea in a transfer that, while financially helpful, left Wolves without their most dynamic attacking outlet. Other departures included Daniel Podence and Hugo Bueno, who were loaned to Feyenoord. These exits left Wolves thin in key areas and contributed to their early-season struggles.
After a dreadful first half of the season, the January transfer window became pivotal, and the club acted with intent under new boss Pereira. Former captian Mario Lemina left to join Galatasary after disiplinary issues. Pereira wasted little time strengthening the spine of the team during the January transfer window:
- Marshall Munesti joined from Stade de Reims and immediately made an impact in the forward lineup. His ball-winning ability and engine brought a much-needed outlet in the attacking third. He even chipped in with a thunderous long-range equaliser against Brentford on the final day – one of the goals of the season.
- Emmanuel Agbadou, also from Reims, was brought in to shore up the back three. His aerial dominance and composure under pressure helped Wolves become much more defensively resolute during the run-in.
- Nasser Djiga, a promising young centre back from Red Star Belgrade, arrived as a depth option. While he featured less regularly, his addition provided cover and competition in a squad that had struggled with injuries and inconsistency in defence earlier in the campaign.
These January additions were tactical, well-timed, and instrumental in helping Wolves regain control in key areas of the pitch. They complemented Pereira’s shift to a more compact, defensively secure 3-4-2-1 setup, a system that became the bedrock of the West Midlands club’s Premier League survival.
Season Highlights
Despite a dismal start, the 2024/2025 season delivered several memorable highs for Wolves fans, especially after the arrival of Pereira. These moments didn’t just define the turnaround; they gave supporters something to believe in.
- João Gomes’ breakout – The Brazilian midfielder emerged as Wolves’ most consistent performer under Pereira. With three Premier League goals this season and countless ball recoveries, Gomes established himself as a Premier League star in the making and potentially Wolves’ next big money export.
- Six-match winning streak – the turning point in Wolves season came during a remarkable six-game winning run that lifted the club from the relegation zone. This run included wins over Southampton, West Ham, Ipswich, Spurs, Manchester United, and Leicester.
- Historic double over Manchester United – Wolves completed their first league double over Manchester United for the first time since the 1979/80 season.
- Derby day win over Aston Villa – Wolves claimed local bragging rights with a convincing 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
Season Lowlights
While the club ultimately secured their Premier League status, the 2024/25 season featured several painful setbacks that defined the first half of the season and served as stark reminders of the club’s vulnerabilities.
- Opening day defeat to Arsenal 17/08/24 – The season started on a sour note with a 2-0 defeat at the Emirates. Arsenal dominated possession and tempo, while Wolves barely registered a shot on target. The performance exposed serious issues in attack and foreshadowed the defensive vulnerabilities that would plague the team under Gary O’Neil.
- 5-3 collapse at Brentford 05/10/24 – In one of the most chaotic matches of the season, Wolves shipped five goals to Brentford in a defensive horror show.
- 4-0 hammering at Everton 04/12/24 – Wolves were thrashed by fellow strugglers Everton at Goodison Park, despite Everton being toothless in attack prior to this match.
Looking Ahead
Wolves remarkable turnaround under Pereira has instilled some optimism for the future. With a full pre-season and strategic reinforcements, the club aims to build upon the late-season positive results and aspire for a top-half finish in the 2025/26 season. However, financial constraints and the need for squad depth will be critical factors in achieving these ambitions.
The 2024/25 season showcased Wolves’ resilience and adaptability, laying a foundation for potential growth and success in the coming season.
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