Next Wolves manager: Report unearths top candidate to replace Julen Lopetegui amid rising exit concern
Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui pictured before Premier League game
Former Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil is high up in the thinking of senior Wolves executives as they prepare for the possible exit of Julen Lopetegui, according to a report.
Lopetegui arrived at Molineux in November last year, in what was seen as a coup for the West Midlands outfit. Lopetegui has previously managed Real Madrid and the Spain national team, while also helping Sevilla to win the Europa League in the 2019-2o season.
Last term, Lopetegui helped Wolves finish 13th in the Premier League, seven points above the relegation zone.
However, he could now depart Wolves after less than a full season at the club. The Spaniard has been left angered by Wolves’ transfer decisions this summer amid their issues with Financial Fair Play.
Having spent heavily last summer, Wolves have had to sell some of their best players this time around to balance the books. Club captain Ruben Neves left for Saudi club Al Hilal in a £47million deal, and he has been followed out of the club by Nathan Collins, Raul Jimenez and Conor Coady. The only player Wolves have brought in is 28-year-old Welsh goalkeeper Tom King.
Lopetegui is ambitious and wants to help Wolves get back in the top 10. But he knows this will be impossible if he is not backed in the transfer market.
According to the Daily Mail, Lopetegui’s future at Wolves is ‘increasingly uncertain’. And there is even a chance he might walk away from the club before their season opener against Manchester United on Monday.
This uncertainty has forced Wolves to begin looking for managerial replacements and O’Neil is one name they have landed on.
Wolves target is a free agent after shock Bournemouth decision
Wolves were left impressed by the job O’Neil did at Bournemouth last season. Many were backing the Cherries to get relegated, but O’Neil helped them stay up by finishing in 15th place.
Surprisingly, Bournemouth parted ways with the 40-year-old in June as this allowed them to bring in highly rated coach Andoni Iraola as his replacement.
Wolves could now capitalise on that decision by landing O’Neil for free. And the Englishman would likely jump at the chance to prove Bournemouth wrong by shining with Wolves.
Meanwhile, TEAMtalk understands Wolves have reignited their interest in a West Ham attacker.
