Wolves blog: Welcome clear-out is underway at Molineux

A same-day double-swoop from Millwall for Jed Wallace and George Saville was followed by the news Silvio’s contract extension clause had not been triggered.

Paul Gladon has also now left, returning to his previous Dutch club Heracles on a season-long loan.

These four players have followed Mike Williamson and James Henry out of the door, whilst Richard Stearman, Andi Weimann and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson also left after completing their loans.

But Wolves are not yet anywhere near complete with their outgoings, with Andy Lonergan, Jack Price, and Ethan Ebanks-Landell apparently next in line to depart.

Should these three players all leave, Wolves’ squad will be down to 24 players – 26 if you include Morgan Gibbs-White and Niall Ennis, who are listed as U23 players on the Wolves website.

If, as looks certain, more players are to come in, yet more of the current incumbent will be moved on to make space for new signings.

A squad of 25 is often regarded as the optimum number, so a further three or four players could also be on their way out of the door.

Wallace never really made his mark at Molineux, though he did impress in the win away at Birmingham last season.

Saville did the job he was asked to do but is the kind of player who, if Wolves are looking to progress, is expendable.

Silvio’s was a tricky situation after appearing a no-brainer all season, but his last couple of appearances gave the hierarchy something to think about.

Like Williamson, Silvio barely played any games and Wolves will certainly need players they can rely upon for more than ten per cent of the season.

Paul Gladon was signed amongst the whirlwind of transfers last summer, but was left on the fringes of the squad for almost the entire season and his departure was long expected.

If, as anticipated, Wolves are close to signing left-back Barry Douglas, they will have brought in four new defenders already.

Should Ebanks-Landell leave, there will still be solid depth in all positions across the back four, especially as Coady is able to play there.

Lonergan may be replaced by another goalkeeper, retaining three goalkeeping options.

More central midfielders than Price may depart, especially as this is an area of weakness in Wolves’ squad which needs improving – potentially, any of the current players in this position are at risk.

On the wings, Wolves are well-stocked, and Jeff Shi’s assurance about Helder Costa means Wolves do not really need to strengthen this part of the pitch.

A striker or two is still a desperate requirement at Molineux.

None of the strikers especially impressed last season, and any one or two of them could feasibly be pushed out at Molineux.

It feels refreshing to have the renewal process underway so early in the pre-season compared with last year, and beginning with a blank sheet could help Wolves get their squad prepared early.

The signing of solely defenders so far seems methodical and considered, and so far, appears much more coordinated than last summer’s trolley dash.