After Max Kilman's departure to London club West Ham, Wolves fans have already begun planning for future life without their former club captain.
Following Conor Coady leaving the club in the 2022/23 season for a loan move to Everton, Ruben Neves took the captaincy and led Wolves to a 13th place finish, before Kilman proceeded the Portuguese to land Wolves in 14th last season.
With three different captains in the past three seasons for the club, the fans have become slightly unsettled that the club have not been able to replace Coady with a true leader.
Now entering pre-season with the Premier League starting in just over a month, Gary O'Neil and the Wolves board have a tough decision to try and find stability with the armband.
Matheus Cunha
Since his move to the Premier League in 2023, Brazilian international Matheus Cunha has become a fan favourite around Molineux for multiple reasons.
Last season, Cunha finished with 14 goals, his highest scoring season yet; it is not just his clinical finishing that attracts Wolves supporters to the idea of the 25 year-old wearing the armband, but also his personality and care for the club.
Recent reports have clarified that Cunha had an impressive impact on helping Brazilian teammate Pedro Lima make his decision on which Premier League club to join, amid interest from both Chelsea and Manchester City.
Wolves' number 12 has offered something unique to this Wolves team. With high expectations due to his price tag, he has shown his brilliance through his development and bravery in England, reaping the rewards for his commitment.
He scored some memorable goals for Wolves last season, including one in the Black Country Derby and a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge, giving the West Midlands club their first win at the stadium since 1979.
The morale the striker brings to the side, alongside his creativity, could give O'Neil something to think about.
Mario Lemina
The 30 year-old definitely feels at home in the Premier League, as he has previously played for Fulham and Southampton.
Lemina has been a key figure for Wolves in midfield, he provided five goals and one assist last season.
Lemina is not usually known for his goalscoring, but more his defensive contribution and work ethic to the side - the Gabon International has provided versatility and has been reliable in a variety of positions.
The player has proved his high-quality versatility after playing in several different positions last season during Wolves' injury crisis towards the end of the season - an attribute of a leader.
He has mostly played next to Joao Gomes in the heart of the midfield but has adapted his game when another player, such as Tommy Doyle, comes in, who offers something different. Lemina is an extremely committed player whom O'Neil has always spoken highly of and understands his worth.
With 128 Premier League appearances and previous Champions League experience under his belt, Mario Lemina is a real contender to lead the pack as Wolves captain.
Craig Dawson
Another player with vast Premier League experience - Craig Dawson is a candidate to be the next captain for Wolves.
The 34 year-old joined from West Ham in January 2023 under former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui, and since then has provided stability to the defensive backline, as well as contributing a goal against Everton at Molineux last season.
Dawson's experience can be utilised in various ways, such as during formation and tactical shifts, with Wolves often playing in a back five.
However, it is currently being reported that O'Neil wants to switch to a back four next season, with the Englishman comfortable in both formations.
The tactical information Dawson provides is vital, with the game played in front of the centre-back, he can help guide players like Toti Gomes and Nelson Semedo into better positions with his excellent communication and football knowledge.
This ultimately benefits the team and helps guide players, a trait similar to former Wolves captain Coady, whose guidance made a difference in difficult scenarios.
This experience is beneficial for players such as Yerson Mosquera and Santiago Bueno, who are still learning and developing in the English game.
With 288 Premier League appearances, 21 goals and five assists to his name, Dawson could be the man for the job.
