Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Santiago Bueno has openly admitted that the club’s January transfer business left the squad “quite weakened”.
Speaking to EFE and relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Bueno addressed the impact of losing several players during the January window.
Jørgen Strand Larsen, Jhon Arias, Emmanuel Agbadou, Fer López, Marshall Munetsi, and Ki‑Jana Hoever all left Wolves in January, while the club added only Adam Armstrong and Ángel Gomes.
The club viewed those deals as part of a longer‑term squad rebuild, with relegation to the Championship appearing increasingly likely.
“We were quite weakened” – Bueno on Wolves’ winter exits
Bueno appeared unimpressed by the club’s business and spoke bluntly about how the departures affected the squad.
“It was a bit difficult for us because we were quite weakened, and I don’t think we brought in what was needed to replace them,” he said.
“Despite that, the team is very united, and we’re all pulling together to move forward.”
Why Fer López struggled and why Bueno still believes in him
While Strand Larsen, Arias, and Agbadou left on permanent deals, Fer López returned to former club Celta Vigo on loan.
He was one of several summer signings who failed to make an impact at Molineux this season.
Since returning to Spain, he has rediscovered his form and happiness. He now plays regularly for a side sitting seventh in La Liga and competing in the Europa League.
That turnaround has seen him move from starting just two league games at Wolves to featuring in seven La Liga matches and three Europa League games since his return. The expectation remains that he will leave permanently in the summer, but Bueno defended the 21‑year‑old.
“Fer is a fantastic player. He’s a very young guy who hasn’t played many professional matches. It’s not easy to move to the Premier League, which is the most demanding league in the world,” he said.
“It’s a very physical competition and very different from what he was used to, which is why players need an adaptation period. The team’s situation also worked against him, and when conditions like that stack up, it becomes very difficult.
“He’s showing what a good player he is at Celta, and if not now, he’ll perform at this level here or wherever he plays in the future.”
A message Wolves can’t ignore
Santiago Bueno’s honesty reflects concerns shared by many supporters. Wolves needed reinforcements, not a net loss of quality.
His remarks stop short of directly criticising the club, but they underline a squad stretched thin and relying heavily on unity to reach the end of the season.
That unity has been showing recently, which can only be a positive for the difficult months ahead.