The outlook at Molineux will look incredibly different next season as Wolves prepare for life without Nuno Santo.
Their manager of four successful years has departed but he may not be the last familiar face to walk through the exit door.
What’s the word?
Nuno left the Midlands as a result of the club’s transfer plans this summer. He endured a feud with Jeff Shi after the former Wolves boss was told that he wouldn’t have much to spend in the window.
The Portuguese was informed that in order to spend big they’d have to sell some of their prized assets.
One such player is Ruben Neves, a man Wolves are searching for £35m in order to sell during the coming months.
Fresh news has ramped up the midfielder’s exit from Molineux after various sources declared that Arsenal were interested.
The Times claim that work has begun on a deal to sign him while The Athletic understands that contact has been made between the two clubs.
Devastating blow
Neves has been the beating heart of everything good associated with Wolves since he became the club’s then-record signing in 2017.
Nuno had brought the captain of Porto and one of the most exciting young players in Europe to a Championship side.
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The move raised eyebrows and he’s continued to do so with some captivating and memorable goals from distance throughout his time in England.
The 24-year-old may have taken a step down from being linked with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool but to lose him to a club that finished below them in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign won’t go down well.
Indeed, supporters have already taken to Twitter in the wake of his potential departure to voice their displeasure. One fan claimed Wolves would be looking at a relegation battle if they sold their best players while another stated that the dream would be over.
It’s easy to see why the fan base holds this point of view. Neves has long been the quarterback of this Wolves side, a player who can dictate the tempo of the game and dominate the midfield.
Even more frustrating to the Old Gold will be his current form. This was the Portugal international’s best season at Wolves for attacking numbers since they were promoted to the Premier League.
The midfielder scored five goals and had more shots on target per 90 minutes (0.47) than he’s managed since the Midlands outfit were in the second tier.
Neves also produced more shot-creating actions per 90 this season - a pass, dribble or foul that led to a shooting opportunity - than he ever has in the Premier League with 2.09.
That not only demonstrates that he’s getting better but it also shows he’s adding a further layer to his game.
Wolves supporters should be absolutely gutted if Neves packs his bags and heads for the departure lounge this term. He is vitally important to their play.