Alious**Wolves’ Dramatic Deadline Day: Key Signings, Loan Departures, and Tawanda Chirewa’s Uncertain Future**
Wolves had a busy final day of the January transfer window, finalizing four deals before the deadline. While the focus was largely on new signings, with Nasser Djiga and Marshall Munetsi joining late in the day, there was also notable activity in terms of player departures. Young prospects Dexter Lembikisa and Tawanda Chirewa both secured loan moves after returning from unsuccessful loan spells earlier in the season.
Chirewa, who made his Premier League debut during the 2023/24 campaign and earned eight appearances under Gary O’Neil amid squad depth issues, had initially been expected to remain with Wolves for the rest of the season. However, the 21-year-old midfielder was sent on loan to Derby County, a stint that didn’t unfold as planned. Despite the promise he showed at Wolves, Chirewa struggled to make an impact at Derby, facing limited playing time and injury setbacks that derailed his progress.
On deadline day, Chirewa secured another loan move, this time to League One side Huddersfield Town. This marks a significant shift, with the Zimbabwean international now dropping from the Premier League to the Championship and further down to League One in the span of a single season.
**What Lies Ahead for Chirewa?**
To gain insight into Chirewa’s struggles and prospects, *Molineux News* spoke with Derby County journalist Luke Thrower, who offered a candid assessment of the midfielder’s time at Pride Park and his future potential.
**Performance at Derby County:**
According to Thrower, Chirewa’s loan spell at Derby fell short of expectations. “Chirewa struggled during his time at Derby,” Thrower explained. “He wasn’t given many opportunities to make an impact, and an unfortunate injury sidelined him for a significant period. Even after recovering, he found it difficult to break back into the squad, often limited to brief substitute appearances.”
**Is Huddersfield the Right Move?**
Thrower believes the move to Huddersfield could be beneficial, though he’s cautious about the fit. “Dropping to League One might be exactly what Chirewa needs right now—to play regularly and regain his confidence. Huddersfield’s push for promotion adds pressure, which could help him develop, but consistent game time is the key factor at this stage of his career.”
**Premier League Potential:**
When asked about Chirewa’s chances of making it in the Premier League, Thrower remained reserved. “It’s too early to say. He’s shown glimpses of quality but hasn’t established himself at the Championship level yet. He’ll likely need a few more loan spells or senior appearances before he’s ready to compete consistently in the Premier League.”
**Best Position and Tactical Fit:**
Chirewa’s versatility has been both an asset and a challenge. Thrower sees his strengths best utilized in central roles. “I think his ideal position is in midfield, either as a number eight or a number ten. His ball-carrying ability stands out, and he’s more effective driving through the middle of the pitch rather than being restricted to the flanks.”
**Can He Fit Back into Wolves’ System?**
As for Chirewa’s future at Wolves, Thrower suggests his reintegration would depend on the team’s tactical setup. “If he develops as a central midfielder, he could fit into a 4-3-3 formation as an advanced number eight or in a 4-2-3-1 system as a creative number ten. It all comes down to how he progresses during his loan spells.”
**What’s Next?**
Chirewa’s journey from the Premier League to League One within a year raises questions about his long-term future at Wolves. While his raw talent is evident, consistent performances and regular game time will be critical for his development. Huddersfield offers him a fresh start, and how he responds to this new challenge could define the next chapter of his career.
Alious
