AliousWolverhampton Wanderers are preparing for a hectic summer of squad reshuffling, and among the players likely to leave Molineux, one name stands out as an obvious candidate for the exit door: Ki-Jana Hoever.
While much of the attention has been on Matheus Cunha—who has made his desire to leave clear ahead of the 2024/25 season’s end—other names are quietly edging toward departures. Cunha’s anticipated move to Manchester United comes on the back of an excellent season, tallying 17 goals across all competitions.
However, the club could also see the exits of Boubacar Traore and Tommy Doyle, both of whom are seeking more consistent playing time. Forwards Hwang Hee-chan and Goncalo Guedes are similarly on uncertain footing, with their futures in question due to underwhelming form or suitability to the system.
Among these, right-back Ki-Jana Hoever remains a somewhat forgotten figure. Currently on loan at French side Auxerre, the 23-year-old has made 30 appearances this season and contributed modestly with three goal involvements. Prior to that, he had loan spells at Stoke City and PSV Eindhoven, showing flashes of ability but never truly establishing himself at any club.
Signed from Liverpool in 2020 for £9 million, Hoever hasn’t featured for Wolves’ senior team since March 2022, when he played in a 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace. Reports from L’Yonne Républicaine, via Sport Witness, suggest Hoever’s stint in France has concluded, and he is now set to return to Wolves—putting new head coach Vitor Pereira in a position to decide his fate.
That decision should be straightforward. With his contract expiring in 2026, now is the time for Wolves to act if they wish to recover any value from the Dutchman. Another loan or bench role would only diminish his market worth further.
In terms of quality and potential impact, Hoever no longer seems equipped to play a meaningful role for Wolves moving forward. His path to the first team is effectively blocked by established players and rising prospects alike.
The only possible exception to this would be if captain Nelson Semedo departs. Semedo is currently in talks over a contract renewal, but time is running out, and suitors from the United States or Saudi Arabia could tempt him with big-money deals. Should that happen, Hoever could be retained as a backup option to compete with Rodrigo Gomes and incoming Brazilian talent Pedro Lima, though Wolves would still need to invest in a new starting right wing-back.
In all likelihood, however, Pereira should view Hoever’s return as a brief layover before finalizing his exit. With his development stalling and no clear role in the squad, this summer is the ideal opportunity for both player and club to move on.
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