January transfers rarely come without risk, but Wolverhampton Wanderers have enjoyed notable success in the winter window over the years. From promotion-defining signings to Premier League-level game-changers, several January arrivals have left a lasting mark at Molineux. Here we rank the ten best January signings in Wolves’ history, based on impact, influence and overall contribution to the club.
10 – Helder Costa (2017)
Helder Costa signed permanently on January 2o17, after an initial loan spell, becoming the club’s record signing at the time. The winger played a key role in Wolves’ rise under Nuno Espírito Santo, contributing five goals and six assists in the Championship title-winning season. His pace and direct style helped to transform Wolves into one of the most exciting teams in the league.
9 – Dave Edwards (2008)
‘Dangerous’ Dave Edwards joined Wolves from Shrewsbury Town in January 2008 and went on to become a hugely important squad player. While not always a guaranteed starter, Edwards’ energy, versatility, and eye for crucial goals made him a reliable option during Wolves’ promotion push in 2008/09 and their subsequent survival in the Premier League. Edwards went on to make 307 appearances for the club, scoring 44 goals.
8 – Michael Kightly (2007)
Michael Kightly arrived in 2007 from Grays Athletic, after being dubbed “the Ryan Giggs of non-league football” and drawing interest from Sir Alex Ferguson. He quickly became an essential attacking option. His pace, crossing ability, and direct running made him a constant threat down the flank, and he went on to play a key role in the Championship-winning 08/09 season, earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
7 – Benik Afobe (2015)
Signed from Arsenal in January 2015, Benik Afobe made an immediate impact at Molineux. He scored 13 goals in just 21 Championship games during the second half of the 2014/15 season, providing the Old Gold with a consistent goal threat and justifying himself as one of the club’s most effective January attacking signings.
6 – Nouha Dicko (2014)
Nouha Dicko joined Wolves in January 2014 and proved to be an excellent signing. With the club in League One, his arrival proved crucial, as he finished as the club’s top scorer in the 2013/14 season, helping Wolves win promotion back to the Championship as champions. He followed this up by being the joint top goalscorer the following season, making him one of the most important signings of the period.
5 – Jonny Otto (2019)
Jonny’s loan move from Atlético Madrid was made permanent in January 2019, and he quickly became one of Wolves’ most consistent Premier League performers. Operating mainly as a left wing-back, Jonny offered defensive solidity and attacking balance, which played a key role in Wolves’ European journey under Nuno. While ACL injuries dampened his impact, he went on to make 134 appearances for the club, chipping in with six goals and four assists.
4 – Mario Lemina (2023)
Mario Lemina was signed from Nice in January 2023 to strengthen the midfield. His composure on the ball, physical presence and leadership were crucial as Wolves stabilised during a difficult season. Lemina’s influence went beyond statistics as he often dictated tempo and structure in the midfield. Lemina went on to captain the club before leaving for Turkey in January 2025 on a sour note.
3 – Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (2008)
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake joined Wolves from fellow Championship side Plymouth in January 2008 and went on to become a prolific goalscorer in the Championship. He scored 25 goals during the 2008/09 season, winning the Championship Golden Boot and helping Wolves win the title and secure promotion, cementing his legacy as one of the best January acquisitions of all time.
2 – João Gomes (2023)
João Gomes arrived from Flamengo in January 2023 and quickly adapted to life in the Premier League. His relentless energy, ball-winning ability, and constant willingness to drive forward soon made him a fan favourite. Gomes played an essential role in strengthening Wolves’ midfield, a role that would prove crucial after captain Ruben Neves left the club the following summer. Gomes is the only player on this list currently still at the club and is one of the first names that fans expect to see on the team sheet.
1 – Matheus Cunha (2023)
The third player on this list from the January 2023 transfer window, Matheus Cunha, joined Wolves on loan from Atlético Madrid, before making the move permanent, and his impact was undeniable. While he only managed to find the back of the net twice in his first season, the following seasons are where he made his mark. In the 2023/24 season, he scored 14 goals in 36 appearances, and in 2024/25, he scored another 17 in 36 while also chipping in with six assists. Cunha had the technical quality, creativity, and an eye for goal that made him the focal point of the team, often carrying it in decisive moments. His influence, consistency and overall quality make him Wolves’ best January signing.
While not every January signing works out, Wolves’ history shows that the right mid-season addition can shape an entire campaign or even an era. From League One promotion heroes to modern Premier League stars, these ten players underline how effective January recruitment has often played a crucial role in Wolves’ successes.
