Wolves are heading into one of their biggest summers in years.
Relegation will force changes across the squad, several senior players are expected to attract interest, and there is already a feeling around the club that this current cycle is coming to an end.
That is especially true for the remaining Portuguese core at Molineux. Wolves once built an entire identity around Portuguese players and staff under Jorge Mendes’ influence.
Against that backdrop, José Sá and Toti Gomes spoke to DAZN Portugal after Wolves’ relegation was confirmed. But while Toti focused on rebuilding for next season, Sá strangely sounded a lot like a player preparing to say goodbye.
Goalkeeper talking like he won’t stay
“Of course I will miss some people at the club. Five years are not five days,” José Sá said.
Sá still has a contract until 2027, and Wolves even hold an option for another year. However, the way he spoke felt unusually final for someone supposedly staying.
He was recently linked with a move to Turkish side Besiktas.
The goalkeeper also admitted the mood around the club has been difficult since relegation became unavoidable.
“Obviously, it is always difficult to go onto the pitch when you already know you are going to be relegated, but we always have to give our maximum to finish well at least, to think about the World Cup and next season, because that always gives you strength,” he explained.
Toti opens up on Portuguese group
Toti Gomes went in a different direction. As the captain he is, the defender spoke warmly about the Portuguese core that has shaped Wolves over the past few years and how close the group became away from football as well.
“Since I arrived here, there have always been many Portuguese players. Now, obviously, the number has reduced a lot,” Toti Gomes said.
“We have always tried to stay together and whenever it is Christmas, Easter or things like that, we always try to bring the families together and stay close to each other.”
That Portuguese identity was once one of Wolves’ biggest talking points in the Premier League. Now it feels like another thing slowly fading away. The club now heads into the Championship.
Wolves already planning rebuild
Toti Gomes also made it clear the club is already looking ahead to next season. They are trying to avoid a long stay outside the Premier League.
“Everything is already being worked on and, without a doubt, the club will try to do everything possible in this market and the next market that opens, to start pre-season well and have a good league campaign next year”.
“The goal is to bring Wolves back as quickly as possible to the big stage”, he said.
