Wolverhampton Wanderers face a challenging relegation battle this season, and commitment within the squad is crucial for their survival hopes.
New manager Vitor Pereira appears focused on maintaining a strong team spirit during his short time at Molineux so far, building on the foundation laid by former boss Gary O’Neil.
In his first six matches across all competitions, Pereira has guided Wolves to three wins, one draw, and two losses, including back-to-back Premier League defeats to Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. While it’s early days, Pereira’s tenure has shown promise.
Most of the squad seems fully committed to the fight for survival, but one player, former club captain Mario Lemina, looks set to leave the club.
Mario Lemina’s turbulent season:
This season has been a rollercoaster for Gabon international Mario Lemina. He started as a key player and featured 19 times in all competitions, beginning the campaign as club captain. However, his leadership role was stripped mid-season.
In December, Gary O’Neil confirmed that the captaincy had been passed to Nelson Semedo following an incident involving Lemina.
The midfielder reportedly clashed with West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen after a match at the London Stadium, prompting discussions about leadership within the squad.
Now, Lemina’s situation has escalated. After being left out of Wolves’ 3-0 defeat to Newcastle, Pereira revealed that the player “wants to leave” the club.
The manager added: “With this energy and this mentality, I don’t need him.” This statement all but confirms Lemina’s imminent departure, coming just a month after losing the captaincy.
Wolves eye a replacement for Lemina:
Wolves appear to be preparing for life without Lemina and have identified Chelsea’s Renato Veiga as a potential replacement.
Reports earlier in the transfer window suggested that Wolves had enquired about a loan move for the 21-year-old, which Chelsea initially rebuffed. However, a renewed approach might be worth exploring.
Veiga has impressed for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side this season, making 18 appearances in all competitions.
He has scored twice and provided one assist, including a standout performance against Gent in the Conference League, where he contributed both a goal and an assist.
Chelsea fans have taken notice of Veiga’s performances, with pundit Alex Goldberg praising him, saying, “anything he touches turns to gold.”
His versatility has also drawn attention, as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as a “Swiss army knife” for his ability to play across multiple positions in defense and midfield.
Veiga’s adaptability would be a significant asset for Wolves, particularly in Pereira’s back-three system. He could fill Lemina’s role in midfield while also providing cover at left center-back, making him an ideal addition to the squad.
A smart move for Wolves:
While convincing Chelsea to part with Veiga may prove challenging, his potential signing could be a transformative piece of business for Wolves.
Bringing in a young, versatile player of his caliber would not only fill the gap left by Lemina but also strengthen the team in multiple areas.
For Wolves, landing Veiga before the January transfer window closes could be the boost they need to solidify their survival bid and build towards a brighter future under Pereira.
