Gary O’Neil: Wolves need to find replacements for Pedro Neto and Max Kilman
Gary O’Neil, head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers, acknowledges the pressing need for the club to replace former captain Max Kilman and star winger Pedro Neto, who were sold to West Ham and Chelsea respectively.
These transfers have brought in nearly £100 million, but have also left significant gaps in the squad. O’Neil, who led Wolves to a 14th-place finish in the Premier League last season, now faces the challenge of filling these voids while maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
O’Neil’s tenure began under difficult circumstances, taking over just before the 2023/24 season without the benefit of a pre-season. Despite these hurdles, he managed to guide Wolves to a mid-table finish, defying expectations of relegation. Now, with a new four-year contract, O’Neil is focused on both the immediate and long-term futures of the club.
While the club has brought in promising young talents like Pedro Lima and Rodrigo Gomes, O’Neil emphasizes the importance of balancing the squad with experienced Premier League players.
The Wolves boss remains realistic about the challenges ahead, particularly with the club’s financial constraints. He acknowledges that replacing players like Kilman and Neto won’t be straightforward and that the club must be strategic in its recruitment.
While he is cautious about raising expectations for the upcoming season, O’Neil is committed to pushing the team as far as possible, aiming for stability and progress amidst a transitional period for the club.
