Marshall Munetsi set for January Wolves exit as Ligue 1 interest builds

Wolves could be set for another swift January departure, with reports in France suggesting Marshall Munetsi is prepared to leave the club just months after arriving. According to L’Équipe, the midfielder has fallen out of favour at Molineux and is already attracting concrete interest from Ligue 1 ahead of the winter window.

The 29-year-old only joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from Stade de Reims in February, but his role has diminished significantly since the change in the dugout.

Earlier this month, L’Équipe reported that Munetsi was no longer central to Wolves’ plans after losing prominence under head coach Rob Edwards. While the initial report did not name any interested clubs, it made clear that the Zimbabwe international would not be opposed to a return to France in January.

Despite featuring in 15 matches across all competitions this season, only two of those appearances have come since Edwards took charge — a clear indication of his current standing within the squad.

From my experience tracking Wolves’ squad evolution this season, Munetsi’s situation reflects a broader tactical shift. Edwards has leaned towards more ball-dominant and mobile midfield profiles, leaving less room for Munetsi’s physical, box-to-box attributes.

A fresh update from L’Équipe now claims OGC Nice are firmly in the picture. The Ligue 1 side are reportedly planning their January business and have identified Munetsi as a potential solution in midfield.

Nice manager Franck Haise is said to have requested the signing of a physically imposing midfielder, with Munetsi the only midfield target mentioned by name in the report.

Significantly, L’Équipe reiterates that the Wolves player is open to returning to France, where he previously impressed with Stade de Reims. The report adds that Munetsi has several options within Ligue 1, not just Nice.

In short, all signs point towards a potential January exit — provided Wolves are willing to sanction the move. For the club, allowing Munetsi to leave could free up both squad space and wages, while aligning the group more closely with Edwards’ tactical preferences.

That said, there is a counterpoint. Wolves’ midfield depth has already been tested at times this season, and losing a versatile, experienced option mid-campaign carries its own risks. The decision may ultimately hinge on whether a replacement is lined up.

January may represent the ideal moment for all sides. Munetsi regains relevance and regular minutes, Nice satisfy their manager’s request for physicality, and Wolves streamline a squad that has undergone rapid change. Given Munetsi’s openness to a Ligue 1 return and the clarity of Nice’s interest, this feels less like speculation and more like positioning ahead of a quick negotiation phase.

Should Wolves let Munetsi leave in January — or could his physical presence still prove useful later in the season?