Transfer Centre

Julen Lopetegui 'to hold talks with Wolverhampton Wanderers over future'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 23 May 2023

Julen Lopetegui 'to hold talks with Wolves over future'

Julen Lopetegui's future as Wolverhampton Wanderers boss is allegedly in some doubt over concerns that the club will not be able to spend heavily in the summer transfer window.

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has suggested that there is uncertainty over the future of Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui.

When Lopetegui arrived at Molineux in November, he was tasked with the job of keeping Wolves, who were then bottom of the table, in the Premier League.

That was impressively achieved with three matches remaining, the West Midlands outfit now in 13th position in the standings ahead of the final game of the season at Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

The Spaniard was backed by owners Fosun International in the January transfer window, Wolves signing as many as six fresh faces for a combined total in the region of £75m.

However, Lopetegui has made no secret of the fact that he expects further funds to spend in the summer in order to help Wolves challenge for European qualification.

Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Julen Lopetegui on May 6, 2023. © Reuters

Last week, it became apparent that would not necessarily be the case, Wolves first needing to boost their position with FFP to ensure that they meet all criteria.

While a number of exits will occur this summer, subsequently reducing the wage bill, it is unclear to what extent that Wolves will have to scale back their financial outlay on new players.

According to Balague, that has led to showdown talks being arranged for later this week, the indication being that Lopetegui's future at Wolves is in doubt.

Although Balague stopped short of saying that a departure is likely, he suggested that it is a possibility despite two years remaining on his contract.

What a sad turn of events with Lopetegui and Wolves

With the club unable to get the signings/investment they promised him and instead having to sell to keep up with FFP, his future is in doubt even though he is under contract

Talks this week between club and him will get us a... pic.twitter.com/uYk5yqDoVj
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) May 23, 2023

Ruben Neves is another player who may leave Wolves this summer, although it has been reported that admirers Barcelona are only willing to swap players to sign the Portugal international.

At the request of Lopetegui, Wolves have also activated the two-year extension in Nelson Semedo's contract, rather than allowing a big earner to leave on a free transfer.

Jonny, Joao Moutinho and Raul Jimenez are expected to depart the club, while goalkeeper Jose Sa is said to be considering his long-term future.

Having recorded 10 wins and six draws from his 26 matches in charge of Wolves, Lopetegui will have admirers elsewhere, and Tottenham Hotspur were recently credited with an interest in the 56-year-old and Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs.