As one door closes at Wolves, a window of opportunity opens up for one youngster to make 2024/25 his breakthrough campaign in the Premier League.
As manager Gary O’Neil explains, moving on from Max Kilman will be no easy task.
The long-serving defender was not only the man who wore the captain’s armband for Wolverhampton Wanderers, he also played every single minute available in the Premier League last season.
Kilman’s £40 million move to West Ham United – where he reunites with former Molineux boss Julen Lopetegui – sees Wolves lose not only their skipper but also pretty much the first name on O’Neil’s team sheet.
HITC understands that Wolves have identified Strahinja Pavlovic of Red Bull Salzburg as a potential Kilman replacement. Alongside Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and co, the Black Country outfit have made checks on a £25 million-rated centre-half who impressed for Serbia at Euro 2024.
But, while O’Neil is still expecting a new defender to arrive this summer, the former AFC Bournemouth boss feels that the future of Wolves’ backline looks bright irrespective of Kilman’s departure.
Gary O’Neil hints at Wolves role for Yerson Mosquera
Santi Bueno should play a bigger role with a season of Premier League football under his belt. Toti Gomes – perhaps the most obvious Kilman replacement due to his left-footedness – continues to develop impressively.
And then there is Yerson Mosquera, still awaiting his debut in England’s top flight but back at Molineux after a positive loan spell at Villarreal.
“Toti and Yerson I’m sure will be excellent,” O’Neil tells the Shropshire Star, thus playing down suggestions that Mosquera could move to Italy. “We know (Craig) Dawson can play in the Premier League and Santi has done unbelievably well in Spain and had a good introduction last year.
“But we lost one that played every minute (in Kilman) and it’s a big hole to fill.
“Yerson coming back fills some of that. But Max played every minute of every game for us. Centre-back, I still think we’ll try to do something.
“But I am really pleased with how the four have looked.”
Mosquera, a 23-year-old Colombia international, featured 16 times for Villarreal after moving to Spain in January. The £4 million signing from Atletico Nacional has also enjoyed a spell over in America with FC Cincinatti.
Having watched Mosquera closely during his time in La Liga, former Wolves hero Dave Edwards is now backing the one-time Manchester City target to show what all the fuss was about when he arrived in the Midlands back in 2021.
Wolves youngsters shine in pre-season
“I always felt it was West Ham that would try to get the deal done quickly for Max Kilman,” Edwards told the Express and Star. “And now I believe Wolves have a ready-made replacement in Yerson Mosquera.
“I don’t feel Max is someone Wolves necessarily need to replace, which is positive. They are strong at centre-back. I do think it needs a bit of depth there but Mosquera coming back from his Villarreal loan is someone the club have thought would be in the first team at Wolves.
“He really fits into that three-at-the-back system.”
Mosquera has caught the eye during pre-season too, particularly during the recent 1-0 win over Serie A newcomers Como.
Wolves also defeated Kilman’s new employers West Ham 3-1, with summer signing Rodrigo Gomes scoring twice and Pedro Lima providing an outstanding assist.
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