Goncalo Guedes, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ enigmatic forward, has reignited speculation about his future at the club after scoring in a 3-1 pre-season friendly loss to RC Lens on July 30, 2025. Journalist Liam Keen, speaking on the Express & Star’s Wolves Podcast, revealed that despite Guedes’ strong showing, including a composed goal where he brushed off challenges to fire into the bottom corner, sources indicate a move to Real Sociedad is “never happening.” The 28-year-old Portuguese star, who joined Wolves for £27.5 million from Valencia in 2022, has been a polarizing figure, with his relaxed demeanor and improved pre-season attitude failing to quell persistent transfer rumors. Keen’s insights suggest Guedes’ future remains uncertain as the transfer window nears its August 30 deadline.
Guedes’ time at Wolves has been turbulent, marked by loans to Benfica and Villarreal after a lackluster debut season where he scored just two goals in 13 Premier League games. His reintegration under former manager Gary O’Neil in 2024-25 yielded a respectable seven goals and six assists in 51 appearances across all competitions, including a standout goal and assist in a 3-0 win over Leicester under new head coach Vitor Pereira. Despite this, Pereira’s warning that Guedes must work harder off the ball and reports of his earlier desire to leave have kept exit talks alive. Keen noted Guedes’ unusually positive demeanor during Wolves’ Portugal training camp, but emphasized that his £90,000 weekly wage and non-starter status make a departure likely, with Besiktas recently linked via a loan offer.
The Lens friendly highlighted Guedes’ potential, as he entered as a substitute in the 62nd minute and briefly revived Wolves’ hopes with his goal, only for Lens to respond immediately. Keen’s sources dismiss a rumored £21 million permanent move to Real Sociedad, suggesting Wolves’ high valuation—aiming to recoup much of the original £27.5 million—has deterred suitors. Guedes’ history, including a Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal’s 2019 Nations League win, underscores his quality, but his inconsistent form and reported discontent in England have fueled speculation. Pereira’s preference for new signings like Jorgen Strand Larsen and Neil El Aynaoui further clouds Guedes’ role in the squad.
As Wolves prepare for their Premier League opener against Manchester City, Guedes’ situation remains a focal point. Keen’s update suggests that while the forward has shown flashes of brilliance, his long-term fit at Molineux is questionable, with Pereira favoring players who align with his high-intensity system. The club’s financial strategy, balancing sales like Matheus Cunha’s £62.5 million move to Manchester United with cost-effective signings, may necessitate offloading Guedes’ high salary. Whether he stays to fight for a place or secures a last-minute transfer, Guedes’ pre-season goal has done little to clarify his future, leaving Wolves fans hopeful yet uncertain about their talented but enigmatic star.[](https://www.birminghamworld.uk/sport/football/wolves/transfers-wolves-real-sociedad-goncalo-guedes-5246097)[](https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/2025/07/30/pre-season-wolves-1-lens-3-report/)
