Fosun’s first year at Wolves: 2016 takeover turmoil and pre-season chaos | OneFootball

Fosun’s first months at Wolves in 2016 were chaotic, marked by rapid managerial change and frantic recruitment.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, after finishing 14th in 2015/16 and after Steve Morgan put the club up for sale, Wolves were sold to Fosun on July 21 for 30 million, with Jez Moxey to step down after a transition. New chairman Jeff Shi set promotion as the aim.

Kenny Jackett was initially backed, then sacked eight days after the takeover. Julen Lopetegui had been targeted but chose Spain, and Walter Zenga arrived instead.

The shake-up hit deep into pre-season, culminating in a 4-0 home defeat to Swansea with Rob Edwards in the dugout and Zenga observing from the stands. Midfielder Dave Edwards recalls unease over direction, spending and recruitment, though talk of Lopetegui had briefly lifted spirits.

Fosun spent more than 32 million in 2016/17 with 13 summer signings, many via Jorge Mendes and Gestifute. Helda Costa and Ivan Cavaleiro impressed, while Silvio and Joao Teixeira underlined a scattergun approach.

Zenga, popular but unconventional, lasted 14 Championship games, winning four, and was sacked on October 25 with Wolves 18th. Paul Lambert kept them up, finishing 15th, and delivered an FA Cup win against Liverpool at Anfield.

Fosun then replaced Lambert with Nuno Espirito Santo. Edwards scored 10 Championship goals and later departed as Nuno’s more organised rebuild began. That turbulent first year remains a lesson as Wolves prepare for another Championship campaign.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com