It’s safe to say this season has not unfolded as hoped for Wolverhampton Wanderers, as they continue their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The Old Gold began the campaign under Gary O’Neil but parted ways with him in December, appointing Vitor Pereira as his replacement.
Wolves currently sit five points clear of Ipswich in 18th place, with 11 matches remaining. However, they suffered a setback last weekend when Matheus Cunha was sent off for violent conduct against Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.
The Brazilian is set to miss three Premier League games due to his suspension, with the possibility of further punishment pending the FA’s investigation, which must conclude by Wednesday. This comes as a significant blow, given Cunha’s impressive form this season.
Matheus Cunha’s form this season:
The former Atletico Madrid forward has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for Wolves, delivering standout performances in attack.
Cunha, who contributed 14 goals and eight assists in all competitions last season, has already netted 15 goals for the Old Gold in the 2024/25 campaign.
The Brazil international, reportedly earning £79k per week, has scored 13 goals from an expected goals (xG) tally of 6.72 and provided four assists from 12 ‘big chances’ created in the Premier League this term.
In his absence, Pereira will need other forwards to step up, and Goncalo Guedes is one player who must rise to the occasion. However, his performances this season suggest that Wolves should consider offloading him in the summer transfer window.
Why Wolves should sell Goncalo Guedes:
The Portugal international, signed from Valencia for a reported £27.5 million in 2022, has failed to justify his reported wages at Molineux this season.
Guedes, contracted until 2027, is reportedly earning £91k per week – over £10k more than Cunha – yet he has struggled to secure a regular starting spot, despite being the club’s second-highest earner behind Pablo Sarabia (£110k per week).
The 28-year-old, described as “lightning quick” by talkSPORT’s European expert Andy Brassell, has started just seven of his 22 Premier League appearances this season. He has managed four assists, but these came from just two ‘big chances’ created and an expected assists (xA) tally of 0.61.
As the table above shows, Guedes has consistently failed to deliver consistent goals and assists, both at Wolves and during his loan spells, since arriving in England in 2022.
Given his high wages – particularly compared to the far more productive Cunha – and his lack of end product in the Premier League, Pereira should look to sell the winger this summer, provided there is genuine interest in his services.
That said, Guedes could still salvage his Wolves career by stepping up during Cunha’s suspension and proving his worth between now and the end of the season. However, based on his performances so far, this seems an unlikely outcome.