31 Jan 2026 12:25:08
Just a thought, but people are saying any money we generate this window, plus the JSL deal if it goes through, should be pumped straight into the team? But, we have all accepted the fact we are going down, so why waste money now on a season that’s technically over.
Would the club not be better keeping the money in the bank, sit down with RE in the summer, discuss seriously what and who he wants, then spend before next year ready for a major push towards promotion? Spend money on players who want to fight to get into the premier with a club
31 Jan 2026 13:10:25
I think that is what will happen HTP. Listening to Harry Mansell on his You Tube channel his feedback from the recent Club/Fans Groups meeting raised some questions. It's clear now that Jeff Shi will play no further part in Wolves FC and the Wolves virtual team and it's impressive set up is completely separate from the football club.
Nathan Shi has stated that he is, assuming relegation, under massive pressure to get Wolves back into the Prem asap, with failure resulting in his sacking, probably from Fosun altogether. However, the primary architect of our demise over the last 5-6 years has been rewarded with his dream job so was the real ambition focused on the establishment of the Esports all along?
I know it was for Jeff Shi as he's publicly said as much but was it really his brief from Fosun for which he has now been rewarded? Relegation from the Prem being an unintended consequence maybe, but I suspect they're not panicking because the Club is financially sound in terms of PSR and expect a quick return. Plus, of course although income is considerably less so is expenditure particularly on players, so maybe they see it as a chance to take a financial breather. They're not even expecting massive job losses at the Club.
So was it fiddling while Rome burnt or just part of some grand plan with the Club's outcome being of secondary importance? It's hard to know as now we are hearing all the restructuring, ground development and financial health diatribe again coming out of the Club/Fosun with the latter again declaring they have no intention of selling up. So now the Esports is up and running and doing well has Guo realised the folly of the Jeff Shi years and wants to put it right or is it just more of the pre Seville BS to placate the fans?
As we know the last window was a disaster (thanks Jeff) not only stripping out even more talent but replacing it with zero Premier League experience, a mistake they have pledged never to make again. Apparently, Mat Jackson and his team made a number of recommendations only for all to be ignored in favour of Jeff Shi's preferences. Interestingly, those at the meeting were told that Fosun was incredibly proud to be the only Chinese owner of a Premier Club with the clubs progress of great interest to many within the company itself.
So which is it, empty words or Fosun finally acknowledging it's/Shi's appalling mistakes in recent years and finally trying to put things right?
31 Jan 2026 14:00:33
Actions speak louder longmynd, until we see something actually happening Shi II's words are very quiet.
In fairness though, we all know we're down and it's going to be the pre/close season when the work can commence, in every sense, so we ll have to reserve judgement for the time being.
31 Jan 2026 15:15:13
HTP and Long sadly I think the answer is neither.
The vast majority of the money raised from sales will not be used to buy new players but will have to largely be used to pay down external debt.
Unless you pay your debts as they fall due the club goes into administration so there simply is no choice!
I detailed the financial position in a post only a week or so ago.
Consequently whatever Fosun and Nathan Shi say is irrelevant, debts have to be paid and Wolves have no other income streams!
Indeed with respect to Fosun's statements let's be honest how close to reality have they been for the last 5 years?
However fans are desperate to believe the nonsense spouted by the Shi's and I see the "promotion next year." line being used widley on here.
In reality Wolves are highly unlikely to be challenging for promotion with what is left of the squad after the, (essential), sell off any players that can raise cash and stabilisation should be the, albeit unpalatable, extent of the club's ambition.
31 Jan 2026 16:16:58
We should not give any credibility to what is spouted by Fosun. How many times have we heard it? I doubt very much they will spend a great deal in the summer. If there had been any intent then we would have seen a continued reinforcement of the squad over the past 3 years to try to maintain our PL status with better researched recruitment ensuring a better fit of players at this level.
Other clubs have managed that. They will be constrained by debt and unlikely to spend by hocking possible future income from a quick return, that seems not their style right now. I do fear our first season in the Championship.