Wolverhampton Wanderers have wasted no time reshaping their squad for the new Championship campaign, confirming their retained list just days after completing the emotional return of Raúl Jiménez.
The Mexican striker’s sensational comeback has sparked excitement across Molineux, with supporters hoping the club legend can help fire Wolves back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Jiménez has signed a two-year deal after leaving Fulham, marking a remarkable return to the club where he became one of the most popular players of the modern era.
However, while fans celebrate one familiar face returning, six players have been shown the exit door as Wolves begin a major overhaul following their relegation from the Premier League.
Club officials have made it clear that sentiment alone will not guide their decisions this summer. The retained list confirms that Matt Doherty, Dexter Lembikisa, Ty Barnett, Harvey Griffiths, Arthur Nasta and Fabian Salmon will all leave the club as Wolves attempt to reduce the wage bill and build a squad capable of challenging for promotion.
The departures underline the scale of the rebuild facing manager Rob Edwards. Wolves endured a disastrous Premier League campaign, finishing bottom of the table and suffering relegation after a season supporters will want to forget as quickly as possible.
While several players have departed, Wolves have retained the core of their squad, including a number of key first-team stars who are expected to form the backbone of next season’s promotion push.
Yet it is the return of Jiménez that continues to dominate conversations among the fanbase.
The 35-year-old scored 57 goals during his first spell at Molineux and became one of the symbols of Wolves’ rise from Championship side to European contenders. His return has been described by many supporters as the feel-good story of the summer.
Adding further intrigue is the fact that Wolves have already secured experienced defender Kieran Trippier and are believed to be targeting several more additions before the transfer window closes. The club’s recruitment team appears determined to build a squad packed with experience and leadership.
Behind the scenes, however, Wolves know difficult decisions remain ahead. Interest continues to grow in several of their standout performers, and further departures cannot be ruled out before the new season begins.
For now, though, the message from Molineux is clear.
The rebuild has officially started.
A club legend is back. Six players are gone. More transfer business is expected. And Wolves are preparing for what could be one of the most important seasons in their recent history as they attempt to fight their way back to the Premier League.
Whether Jiménez’s return proves to be the spark that reignites the club remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Wolverhampton Wanderers are not standing still this summer.