Edwards has struck gold on £8.5m Wolves star who’s now better than Mane

Wolverhampton Wanderers could still face relegation from the Premier League this season, but there is little doubt that the team has shown noticeable progress since Rob Edwards took charge.

Although hopes of avoiding the drop may appear unrealistic, the atmosphere around Molineux has improved significantly. The team has rediscovered some positivity, and there is growing belief that if they can keep most of their current squad together, they will have a strong chance of returning to the Premier League quickly.

However, retaining their most talented players will be essential. In recent months, no player has impressed more than young winger Mateus Mane.

Mateus Mane’s rapid rise at Wolves

Born in Portugal, Mane left Rochdale’s youth setup to join the Wolves academy, making an incredible journey from non-league football to one of England’s biggest stages.

The teenager has developed remarkably since arriving in the Midlands. After making his Premier League debut last season, the 18-year-old has added 19 more appearances this campaign and has grown into an increasingly important figure in Edwards’ tactical setup.

Edwards has praised Mane’s “sensational” emergence as a regular starter. The versatile winger has been particularly dangerous down the left flank, scoring twice while contributing in many ways that do not always appear in the statistics. Still, his work rate is evident, winning an average of 4.2 duels per match.

It is no surprise that clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are monitoring him closely. However, Wolves’ reported £50 million asking price has discouraged potential suitors.

While selling him would bring a major financial boost—especially if the club needs to rebuild in the Championship—keeping Mane may ultimately be more valuable. The youngster has become one of Wolves’ key players and could play a major role in their push to return to the Premier League.

Of course, he is not the only player who has been vital for the team this season.

The £8m defender quietly becoming Wolves’ backbone

Even if Wolves are relegated, they still possess several players capable of forming the foundation of a strong squad. One of them is Santiago Bueno, who at 27 has quietly emerged as one of the Premier League’s most underrated defenders.

While he may not have the same long-term potential as Mane, Bueno’s influence on the team has arguably been even greater. The Uruguay international—who has eight caps for his country—has been a crucial figure in Wolves’ defensive structure.

After Wolves’ FA Cup victory over Grimsby Town, Edwards avoided giving a clear answer when asked about Bueno’s future but admitted he would love the defender to remain at the club.

Bueno might not command the same transfer fee as the exciting young Mane, but his recent performances have arguably been even more important. The defender has been instrumental in stabilizing Wolves’ back line while also demonstrating impressive ability on the ball.

Edwards has described him as an “unassuming leader,” and he has certainly proven to be excellent value for money. Signed from Girona for around £8.5 million in 2023, Bueno has since made 76 appearances across all competitions.

Having come through Barcelona’s youth academy, it is no surprise that the defender is comfortable in possession. Interestingly, this season appears to be his best since arriving in England, as he has become an increasingly influential presence in front of goalkeeper Jose Sa.

Calm and reliable, Bueno rarely makes costly mistakes and often plays a key role in keeping Wolves competitive during difficult matches.

Wolves remain something of a puzzle this season. Despite struggling in the league table, especially under the pressure of relegation, the team has shown signs of unity and competitiveness that their position does not fully reflect.

Much of that resilience can be credited to Bueno’s composure and tireless work in defense. With interest from other clubs likely to grow this summer, Wolves must resist the temptation to sell him if they hope to rebuild quickly and return to the Premier League.