Luke Matheson is nearly a year into his stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers, having joined on a two-and-a-half-year deal from Rochdale United in January.
The 18-year-old was loaned back to Spotland Stadium for the remainder of last season to continue his development, but how is Matheson getting on in his first full campaign at Molineux?
Quickly promoted to the U23s
Matheson was only 17 years of age when the 2020/21 season began, but Wolves avoided putting him in their U18s as they felt he had developed enough to represent the U23s. He’s made five appearances in all competitions.
The right-back played for Wolves’ EFL Trophy defeat to Oldham Athletic (September 22), 74 minutes in Wolves’ 3-0 win over Stoke City (September 28) and six minutes in their 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa (October 19).
He was an unused substitute in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace (October 26), played for 45 minutes in Wolves’ 3-0 win over Fulham (November 2) and 90 minutes in the 2-1 win over Sunderland (November 6).
Matheson is getting regular football in the reserves and looks to be thriving, so here’s hoping that continues.
What’s the plan for Luke at Wolves?
Matheson’s contract runs until 2022, but the aim is surely for the 18-year-old to stay for many more years. Currently, he has Nelson Semedo, Ki-Jana Hoever and Oskar Buur ahead of him in the pecking order, but there may be a pathway to the first-team in the future.
Tim Spiers said on The Athletic podcast The Molineux View ahead of the 2020/21 campaign that Matheson could be loaned out to a high end League One club or Championship side, but no deal materialised. Instead, Nuno gets a good look at him in the U23s and a decision could be made on his future when the winter transfer window opens.
If Wolves believe Matheson is progressing well in the reserves and would benefit from more competitive football, a loan move to a Football League side could be on the cards. Alternatively, if the 18-year-old is not standing out on a regular basis, he might see the season out in the Midlands.
Time will tell.
In other news, here’s how Dion Sanderson is getting on at Sunderland?