Bruno Lage has flown into the UK to open talks with Wolverhampton Wanderers about becoming their new head coach, according to the Telegraph’s John Percy.
Lage has been out of work since leaving Benfica last year and is on Wolves’ radar. The Premier League side are seeking a new manager after Nuno Espirito Santo called time on his four years at the club.
Lage’s potential arrival is set to be the start of an important summer for Wolves. However, he isn’t the only manager being considered according to The Athletic, with Wolves mulling over several candidates.
Bruno Lage in the UK for Talks With Wolverhampton Wanderers
Lage Has Been Out of Work Since Leaving Benfica
The Portuguese coach has spent his entire coaching career so far at Benfica. He managed several youth levels before being promoted to the first team in January 2019. Lage guided Benfica to the league title, which included a 19-game unbeaten run that yielded 18 victories.
However, his first full season in charge would be his only as Benfica failed to defend the title. Lage equalled an unwanted club record of two wins in 13 matches and was sacked in June 2020.
He has been out of work since but still remains a respected coach in his home nation. Lage also has connections with super-agent Jorge Mendes who works closely with Wolves owners Fosun. Lage is no stranger to English football having been Carlos Carvahal’s assistant at both Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City
While Lage appears to be the current front runner, he isn’t the only manager in contention. Wolves are mulling over several candidates and want to make the right appointment. A 13th place finish in the Premier League was disappointing having secured consecutive seventh-placed finishes in the previous two campaigns.
Whoever does arrive has big shoes to fill with Nuno Espirito Santo leaving a terrific legacy at Molineux.
A Big Summer is on the Horizon for Wolves
Espirito Santo’s departure is the start of what is set to be an important off-season for Wolves. As they look to appoint a new manager, there could well be a revamp of the playing squad after an inconsistent season.
One man who could be sacrificed to improve the team is Ruben Neves. According to The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, Neves is available for £35 million and the club will use those funds to improve the playing squad.
The potential departure of Neves would suggest Wolves are heading in a different direction. The club are looking to incorporate a more youthful look to their side. Fresh impetus and ideas are needed in a team that has been together for so long. Nuno tried to mix up their style of play but ultimately it didn’t work and if Wolves to do that under a new manager, the playing squad needs fresh blood.
Neves is a stalwart of the Nuno era, signing in 2017 for a club-record fee and helping Wolves secure promotion to the Premier League as well as establishing themselves in the top flight and on the European stage. He is a combative midfielder who possesses real flair and quality on the ball. He would be a loss to the side if Wolves do decide to cash in. Neves has attracted interest in the past but only time will tell if anyone coughs up the cash Wolves want.
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