Wolves are heading into a potentially pivotal summer, particularly when it comes to the futures of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Hugo Bueno.
The club’s left flank could undergo major changes in the upcoming transfer window.
Matheus Cunha is widely expected to depart, with Manchester United showing strong interest in the Brazilian forward. However, Ait-Nouri is another standout player who might also be on the move. Having been at Molineux for five years, he could command a significant fee, especially with his value likely at its peak.
Many fans are hoping the Algerian full-back stays, but Wolves’ ownership group, Fosun, is known for capitalizing on high-value assets. Ait-Nouri was signed for a relatively low fee, and the chance to make a substantial profit may prove too tempting.
If Ait-Nouri does leave, sources have told Molineux News that Hugo Bueno would have a strong opportunity to step into a regular first-team role.
Despite interest from Bournemouth, there’s a key factor that might keep Bueno at Wolves: his deep-rooted connection to the club.
Bueno, currently on loan at Feyenoord where he’s gained Champions League experience, has reportedly expressed a strong desire to play consistently. Journalist Liam Keen shared on the E&S Podcast that the Spaniard “loves Wolves” and is eager to become a regular starter.
Keen said, “I’ve spoken to Hugo several times, even during his time at Feyenoord. He’s been a bit reserved about his future, but I know he’s desperate to play. He loves Wolves—it’s his home. He came in as a 16-year-old from a small non-league Spanish side for around £3,000. It was a brilliant piece of scouting. But he’s a driven character—he won’t be happy on the bench. If Ait-Nouri stays, that could become a real issue.”
Losing Bueno would be a blow, especially given his connection to the club and the success of his development. Ideally, Wolves would keep Ait-Nouri, who brings a creative edge to the final third. Yet, with his tenure reaching the five-year mark, interest from other clubs is mounting.
Should Ait-Nouri depart, Bueno is poised to slot straight into the starting XI. But if he remains, Bueno may seek regular minutes elsewhere—an outcome that would disappoint many.
That said, there’s still a possibility that both players stay. In such a case, Ait-Nouri might be redeployed further up the pitch—perhaps even in the role Cunha is expected to vacate—allowing Bueno to claim the left-back spot.
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