After Wolves’ impressive season in the 2018/19 season finishing 7th in their first season back in the Premier League after a 6-year absence, this was their highest top-flight standing since the season 1979/80. In their 6 year absence, the club dropped down into the EFL League One for one season as they bounced back up in the 2013/14 season. They then spent 4 years in the Championship until the 2017/18 season where they steamrolled the Championship winning the league on 99 points. This was mainly down to the huge amount of money spent.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 24: Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates with team mates Conor Coady of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal FC at Molineux on April 24, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Molly Darlington – AMA/Getty Images
This money came from the Chinese company “Fosun International” which is an investment company. They purchased the parent club of Wolves for a reported £45m, they then set about getting the club back into the top flight and the eventual goal: Champions League football.
Last season’s performance
In the 2016/17 season, they spent £36.1m on a few players as they bought Helder Costa from Benfica for £15m and Ivan Cavaleiro from AS Monaco for £8m. In the following season, they appointed Porto boss Nuno Espirito Santo as they spent £24.6m. This included the arrival of highly talented defensive midfielder Ruben Neves from Porto for £17.9m, they went on to win the Championship securing their Premier League status for the 2018/19 season.
At the beginning of the 2018/19 season, they proceeded to spend £112.25m on many players as they hoped to finish in the top half of the Premier League table. They bought Jonny Otto from Atletico Madrid for £20.5m, Adama Traore from Middlesborough for £20m, goalkeeper Rui Patricio from Sporting CP for £18m, Diogo Jota from Atletico Madrid for £14m, Willy Boly for £12m from Porto and 27-year-old striker Raul Giminez on loan from Benfica for a £3m loan fee.
All these signings were in positions that needed strengthening and Wolves went out and did their business in a smart manner. With the owners looking like they’re going to proceed to invest in the club going forward, it looks like Wolves are in for another busy summer. They’ve already acquired the services of Raul Giminez permanently for £38m and Leander Dendoncker from Anderlecht for £13.5m.
Next season targets and expectations
They have already been linked to players like Aaron Mooy from Huddersfield, Keita Balde from Monaco and Valencia defender Diakhaby, so they don’t look like they’re slowing down. The new owners looked to bring back winning ways to the Molineux Stadium and they’ve certainly done that. Over the last 5 years, Wolverhampton Wanderers have gone from the League 1 straight up to the Premier League and look to keep making progress.
Next season, I’d be surprised if Wolves didn’t capitalise on the poor form of Manchester United and Arsenal to reach the top 6 ahead of one of the two clubs and if they keep spending money like they already are, then they’ll reach Champions League football in no time.
