Wolves exploring Ten Hag deal as ‘advancing talks’ with new boss confirmed

Robin Bairner

Updated: 3 Nov 2025 13:02 GMT
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Wolverhampton — © IMAGO/FootballTransfers

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reached out to former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag as a potential candidate to replace Vitor Pereira in the Molineux dugout, but the Dutchman is not currently in pole position for the role.

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According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Wolves are currently prioritising former boss Gary O’Neil, who could return to the club less than a year after he was sacked.

It is claimed that talks for the 42-year-old are advancing alongside other options, but there is no imminent decision expected.

As such, the interim duo of James Collins and Richard Walker, who head up the U21s and U18s respectively, are likely to be in charge when Wolves travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in Premier League duty next weekend.

Following that, there will be a two-week break during which the Black Country side will hope to announce their new boss.

© IMAGO - Gary O'Neil is the favourite for the Wolves job

Ten Hag to get second Premier League shot?

While O’Neil appears to be in pole position, Ten Hag is also a strong candidate for the role.

Like the Englishman, he is currently out of work, albeit he had the ignominy of being sacked by Bayer Leverkusen before the end of August after a catastrophic start to his tenure at the Bundesliga giants.

Wolves have not been put off by this episode, with the Dutchman’s case being put forward and discussed internally at the club, which sits bottom of the Premier League table, still seeking their first win after 10 matches.

© IMAGO - Erik ten Hag couldn't turn Man Utd around

Who else is in the frame?

Other candidates for the role are former Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, who has never previously coached in the Premier League despite a long career at the top level, and Rob Edwards, who famously guided Luton Town to the top-flight against the odds, and is now in charge of Boro.

Whoever takes the post faces a major challenge, with Wolves’ squad bereft of top-flight quality and also confidence after a winless Premier League run that stretches back to April.

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