Wolves earned promotion back to the Premier League in style, as they were crowned the winners of the 2017/18 EFL Championship season.
Back in the top tier for the first time since 2012, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men will be keen on staying there for years to come and in order to make that vision come true, they will need to have a strong summer transfer window.
With new owners and close ties with super-agent Jorge Mendes, the Midlands club displayed their clout in the market last summer, with the signing of Ruben Neves from FC Porto.
While they have the financial prowess to go after the big fish, the club should also look to exploit the free agent market in the summer. With a number of proven Premier League players set to be available for free this summer, here are three that Wolves should look to sign.
Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace)
The 32-year-old Frenchman will be out of contract with the Eagles in the summer and is someone that Wolves should consider bringing in.
Cabaye played an important hand in helping Palace stay up in the Premier League after an abysmal start and it is this experience of dealing with difficult situations that could come in very handy for Wolves next season. The former France international finished the season with a solitary assist from 31 appearances in all competitions.
With 175 Premier League appearances under his belt, during his time with Newcastle United and Crystal Palace, Cabaye is a tried and tested player at this level and would add some much-needed experience to a relatively young Wolves outfit, who are not high on numbers when it comes to players with Premier League experience and know-how.
Dani Garcia (Eibar)
The 28-year-old Eibar captain has confirmed that he will be leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract and Wolves should swoop in to sign him on a Bosman deal.
Garcia made 32 appearances for the La Liga club this season and was an important cog in the midfield engine room, helping his team to a 9th-place finish.
A typical Spanish defensive midfielder, Garcia is an intelligent operator whose understanding and anticipation of situations make him a vital part of the team.
Throw in his strong tackling abilities and the range of distribution, Wolves will have a technically solid and reliable midfielder in his best years, with plenty of experience and leadership qualities, all for free.
Mario Balotelli (OGC Nice)
It might represent a risk, no doubt, but Wolves should definitely make a move to land Italian striker Mario Balotelli this summer once his contract with Nice expires.
Controversy’s favourite child, the 27-year-old has somewhat reformed himself and turned his career around in his two-year stint with Nice.
He finished the 2017/18 campaign with a highly impressive tally of 26 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions, along with a couple of assists. Having earned a recall to the Italian national team after a four-year exile, Balotelli netted his 14th international goal in the friendly against Saudi Arabia.
The striker’s last spell in the Premier League might not have worked out that well but having rediscovered his goalscoring mojo with Nice, he could prove to be a great signing for Wolves this summer.