Julen Lopetegui to stay as Wolves head coach despite spending restrictions

Julen Lopetegui has committed to stay at Wolves next season after further talks with the hierarchy. In recent weeks the head coach had sought reassurances about the strategy this summer amid financial fair play constraints but has confirmed he plans to continue.

Wolves will need to offload players before they are able to bolster their squad, with the captain Rúben Neves, a target for Barcelona, their most valuable asset and the centre-backs Max Kilman and Nathan Collins also attracting admirers. Lopetegui expressed concern that Wolves could be left behind by Premier League rivals. He has been made aware they are unlikely to make any marquee signings, with a low net spend imperative to meet league regulations.

Conor Coady will be reintegrated into the squad after Everton decided against signing him permanently. Wolves spent heavily last season, including more than £40m on Matheus Cunha and Matheus Nunes. Wolves also dipped into their summer budget in January, when João Gomes and Mario Lemina were among the arrivals.

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Lopetegui, who took charge of Wolves last November, became the first manager since Nigel Pearson in 2014-15 at Leicester to lead a club to safety despite being bottom on Christmas Day. Lopetegui has two years remaining on his contract and his relationship with Matt Hobbs, the sporting director, has been key to his decision to stay.