AliousIt’s always intriguing to see how former Wolves players progress after leaving the club, and one departure from a couple of years ago is now proving to be a success story elsewhere.
Wolves’ 2023 Summer of Sales
The summer of 2023 was a defining period for Wolves, albeit for difficult reasons. Financial pressures due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) forced the club into selling several players after years of significant spending. It was a necessary move to restore financial stability, and only now are Wolves in a position where they can potentially invest more freely. However, ensuring Premier League survival remains the top priority.
Among the high-profile departures, Ruben Neves’ exit was the biggest disappointment for fans, while Raul Jimenez and Adama Traoré also left to some sadness. Nathan Collins was another player who moved on, though his exit was met with mixed reactions. However, the Republic of Ireland international is now flourishing at Brentford, making Wolves’ decision to offload him look increasingly questionable.
Nathan Collins Shining at Brentford
Collins was part of the necessary squad overhaul under Julen Lopetegui, leaving for Brentford in a £23 million deal (BBC Sport). The sale itself was somewhat surprising, given that Wolves had signed him just a year earlier, and the transaction only generated a modest £3 million profit.
Despite inconsistent performances in his single season at Wolves, Lopetegui made the call to let him go. Collins later admitted that he had no desire to leave Molineux, but the decision was out of his hands. Unlike Neves or Jimenez, whose exits were met with widespread disappointment, Collins’ departure was accepted by many who felt he hadn’t quite delivered.
However, with the benefit of hindsight, Wolves may now be reconsidering that decision. Collins has been outstanding for Brentford in the 2024/25 season, ranking among the Premier League’s top performers in several defensive categories:
- Most blocks in the league (37)
- Joint-sixth for last-man tackles
- Third-most clearances (154), behind only Murillo and James Tarkowski
- Third-most aerial duels won (87) among all Premier League players
These numbers highlight Collins’ impressive development and suggest he is finally living up to the potential that several top clubs saw in him.
A Decision Wolves May Regret
Lopetegui’s stance on Collins made his departure likely, but it is now frustrating for Wolves to watch him thrive at Brentford—especially considering that Lopetegui himself left Wolves just weeks after sanctioning the sale. Had Gary O’Neil been in charge at the time, perhaps he would have fought to keep the defender.
Financial constraints played a role, but looking back, Wolves might wish they had sacrificed a different player instead. Even during his struggles at Molineux, Collins was highly regarded by several major clubs who believed he had the potential to become a top Premier League centre-back.
Now, it looks as though he is proving them right—leaving Wolves to wonder if they made a mistake letting him go.
Alious
