There was a backdrop of unrest as Wolves’ January transfer window unfolded, with a growing acceptance of relegation surrounding the team.
With patience wearing thin in the stands and performances falling short on the pitch, the club entered the new year fighting not only for points, but for the trust of its supporters.
Deadline day, often a quiet affair at Molineux, instead offered an insight into a club beginning to confront its problems, using January as the first step in a longer-term rebuild rather than a last-ditch gamble.
Transfer News Blitz writer Liberty Nicholson-Hulse reflects on Wolves’ January transfer window activity and considers the club’s plan going forward.
Fan frustration boils over at Molineux
After a disappointing start to the season, Wolves went into the new year with just one point at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Poor performances and frustration with the club’s ownership prompted fan groups to take a stand. Protests have been organised and the atmosphere at home fixtures growing increasingly bleak.
Former chairman Jeff Shi became the focal point of supporters’ anger. Following his departure in late December, Nathan Shi was appointed as his replacement.
In a move that felt unprecedented, Shi agreed to meet representatives from ten different fan groups in a meeting that took place in late January.
READ MORE: Premier League January transfer window: who are the winners and losers?
Honesty at the top: Wolves’ leadership outline the way forward
The meeting was attended by five representatives from the club’s leadership team, including Shi and Technical Director Matt Jackson.
It was acknowledged that the club’s “vision and values” have been absent in recent years, reflected in a dressing room that has seen constant change.
Despite this, discussions around Wolves’ future were more positive. The aim of an immediate return to the Premier League in the event of relegation made clear.
A “step-by-step rebuild” was outlined as the club’s approach to change momentum and rebuild the confidence of players and staff.
Wolves’ January transfer business was described as “protecting the club’s value” whilst also avoiding the club being forced into a weaker position by the summer.
It seems that fans have been struck by the openness and honesty on display by the leadership team at the club.
After multiple seasons where the club has felt disconnected from its most loyal supporters, the simplicity of a two-way conversation has earned the club’s recent decisions some credit.
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Late business signals Championship plans
Going into the January transfer window, it seemed obvious that if Wolves were to do any business, they would have to do some damage control to prepare the squad before their inevitable drop to the Championship next season.
On one side, many fans were sure that Wolves’ deadline day would remain dormant as it had in so many previous seasons. Still, others remained adamant that the rebuilding process needed to get underway before the summer.
Recent performances have proven that although there are moments of promise in games, Wolves still lack a focal point in attack.
Jorgen Strand Larsen’s departure to Crystal Palace addressed this issue financially, with the £43 million fee representing good business given his struggles this season.
His poor form in this campaign meant that he struggled to deliver for Wolves in big moments, making him a target to offload while gaining a reasonable return.
Adam Armstrong
On Deadline Day, Wolves’ publicly quiet transfer activity was interrupted by the signing of 28-year-old Adam Armstrong from Southampton.
The deal was said to be worth around £7 million, and boosts the team’s frontline with a proven goalscorer.
After time spent at both Blackburn and Southampton, Armstrong’s threat when playing in the second tier is apparent, and it is a logical move for Wolves.
Improving their forward options with a player who is experienced seems like a move that is built for the Championship, and it will only benefit them to have Armstrong ready to contribute.
Angel Gomes
Angel Gomes also joined late from Marseille on loan with an option to buy. The versatile midfielder came through the ranks at Manchester United and featured in the Premier League for the senior team before his move to France.
In his first interview as a Wolves player, Gomes cited manager Rob Edwards as a particular draw to the club. He seemed excited to work with him again after they were introduced in the England youth set-up.
Having been capped four times at senior level for England, the 25-year-old already has experience playing alongside top-level players, and will hope to contribute quality and leadership to Edwards’ side.
Overall, Wolves’ supporters have responded positively to the club’s realistic approach to the transfer window.
It feels that rather than writing off the remainder of the season, the club want to use it to make the first steps in a rebuild that can produce results and an immediate return to the Premier League.
