Hugo Bueno’s Champions League Heroics Ignite Wolves Debate: Should He Replace Rayan Ait-Nouri?
Hugo Bueno’s performances for Feyenoord this season have quickly become a major talking point among Wolves fans, particularly after his latest Champions League display. The 22-year-old left-back, who was loaned to the Dutch giants last summer, has been excelling both in the Eredivisie and on Europe’s biggest stage. His latest contribution—a perfectly placed cross for Julian Carranza’s bullet header against AC Milan—helped Feyenoord book their place in the Champions League round of 16.
As Bueno continues to shine, Wolves supporters are growing increasingly vocal about their desire to see him reintegrated into the squad next season. With speculation surrounding Rayan Ait-Nouri’s future, many believe that Bueno is the ideal in-house replacement, saving the club millions in the transfer market while offering a player already familiar with the club and league.
But the debate goes beyond just replacing Ait-Nouri. Bueno’s crossing ability, versatility, and rapid development at Feyenoord suggest he could become a key player for Wolves regardless of whether Ait-Nouri stays or departs. As Wolves manager Vitor Pereira looks to reshape the squad for the future, he now faces a crucial decision: should Hugo Bueno be part of Wolves’ plans in 2025/26?
Wolves Fans See Bueno as the Natural Successor to Rayan Ait-Nouri
Hugo Bueno’s departure last summer was not necessarily due to a lack of talent. Rather, it was a matter of opportunity. With Rayan Ait-Nouri cementing himself as Wolves’ first-choice left wing-back, Bueno found game time hard to come by. The club made the decision to loan him out in search of regular minutes, and Feyenoord proved to be the perfect destination.
Since arriving in Rotterdam, Bueno has thrived in a high-intensity, attacking system that has allowed him to develop his offensive and defensive attributes. He has made 22 appearances across all competitions this season, including seven in the Champions League, where he has been one of Feyenoord’s standout performers.
However, Wolves fans are now questioning why the club let him leave in the first place. After his eye-catching display against AC Milan, many took to social media to voice their frustrations and hopes for his return.
“We have the perfect replacement for RAN in Hugo Bueno, just hope we keep him,” one fan commented.
“I would be more than happy to take £45m for RAN and keep Bueno,” another added.
“Why on earth did we let him go?” one supporter questioned.
With Ait-Nouri now a highly sought-after player—linked with clubs across Europe—Wolves could find themselves in a position where they must decide whether to cash in on the Algerian and reinvest or promote Bueno as his successor.
Ait-Nouri’s Rising Stock Could Open the Door for Bueno
Rayan Ait-Nouri has been one of Wolves’ most consistent performers this season, earning praise from pundits and fans alike. Jamie Carragher recently described him as “quality,” and it’s not hard to see why. The 23-year-old’s ability to operate as a left wing-back or left-sided midfielder has made him an invaluable asset for Wolves, particularly in matches where they need width and attacking penetration.
His form has not gone unnoticed, with several top European clubs reportedly monitoring his situation. If Wolves receive a substantial offer in the region of £45-50 million, they may find it difficult to turn down—especially if they believe Bueno is ready to step into his place.
For Wolves, the decision comes down to whether they want to retain Ait-Nouri and strengthen other areas of the squad or sell him and promote Bueno. Given the financial realities of modern football, a big-money departure could allow the club to address multiple positions while still having a high-quality left-back option in Bueno.
Hugo Bueno’s Crosses Could Unlock Wolves’ Attack
One of the most exciting aspects of Bueno’s game is his delivery from wide areas. His assist against AC Milan was a prime example of his pinpoint crossing ability, a skill that could be a major asset for Wolves next season.
According to FBref, Bueno ranks in the top 2% of defenders in the Champions League for crosses into the penalty area in 2024/25, highlighting his effectiveness as a creator from the left flank. He also ranks in the top 18% for key passes, further underlining his ability to contribute in the final third.
For Wolves, this could be a game-changer—especially for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Norwegian forward has managed seven goals this season but has often lacked consistent service from the wide areas. Given his height and aerial ability, having a left-back who can consistently deliver quality balls into the box could significantly increase his goal output.
A potential partnership between Bueno and Strand Larsen is an exciting prospect for Wolves, particularly if Pereira is looking to play a more attacking system. With Bueno’s ability to whip in crosses and Strand Larsen’s aerial dominance, Wolves could develop a lethal left-sided combination that adds a new dimension to their attack.
Bueno’s Versatility: More Than Just a Left-Back?
While Bueno has primarily been deployed as a left-back or wing-back, his recent appearance in midfield for Feyenoord against AC Milan has sparked further discussion about his potential versatility.
Interestingly, before joining Wolves, Bueno played as a midfielder during his early years, showcasing his technical ability and tactical intelligence. His ability to adapt to different roles could make him an even more valuable asset for Pereira next season.
If Wolves were to keep both Bueno and Ait-Nouri, it’s possible that Bueno could be utilized in a hybrid role—providing depth at left-back while also offering an option in midfield. His passing range, dribbling ability, and defensive awareness make him a candidate for a deeper midfield role, particularly in matches where Wolves need extra creativity.
What Should Wolves Do?
As things stand, Wolves face an important decision regarding Hugo Bueno’s future. His performances at Feyenoord suggest that he is more than ready to compete at the highest level, and with the club potentially needing to replace Ait-Nouri, the answer might already be within their squad.
If Wolves decide to cash in on Ait-Nouri, Bueno’s return could be the perfect solution. His development in the Eredivisie and Champions League has proven that he has the quality to step up, saving Wolves from having to invest heavily in a replacement.
However, even if Ait-Nouri stays, Bueno has done enough to justify a role in the squad. His crossing ability, tactical versatility, and rapid improvement make him a player worth keeping, whether as competition for Ait-Nouri or as a potential midfield option.
With Feyenoord continuing their Champions League journey, Bueno will have more opportunities to prove himself on the biggest stage. Wolves fans will be watching closely, hoping that their club recognizes his value and ensures that he is given the platform to shine at Molineux next season.
The decision now rests with Vitor Pereira and Wolves’ hierarchy. Do they keep Bueno as Ait-Nouri’s successor? Do they sell Ait-Nouri and make Bueno the first-choice left-back? Or do they find a way to integrate both into the squad?
One thing is clear: Hugo Bueno’s performances in the Champions League have put him firmly in Wolves’ plans, and it would be a mistake to let such a talented young player slip away.