'Our owners are stupid' - Wolves reaction given to Mateus Mane situation | OneFootball

The verdict on Mateus Mane's Wolverhampton Wanderers future has landed as Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund eye deal...

Mateus Mane has been linked with the likes of Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund in the transfer window following Wolverhampton Wanderers' relegation from the Premier League.

In a bleak season of just 20 points, with only seven teams in Premier League history finishing on fewer, Mateus Mane was a bright spark for Wolverhampton Wanderers in his breakout campaign at Molineux.

The 18-year-old has managed three goals and two assists in 31 games for the club, including memorable performances against the likes of Arsenal and West Ham United. Many Wolves supporters would love to hang onto the youngster in the Championship for good reason.

The Express & Star claim that Newcastle, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Dortmund-linked Mane is valued at around £30 million by the Wolves hierarchy. The question is whether Wolves should cash in if someone meets that transfer fee this summer.

Mateus Mane verdict lands as Wolverhampton Wanderers set price tag

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We asked our FLW Wolves fan pundit Thomas Woodhall for his thoughts on that or if Mane could be worth far more than that with a full season of Championship football under his belt instead?

He responded: "I mean, there are two answers for this one. My head tells me you sell for £30 million or you try to push as much out of the deal as you can.

"I pray he falls off like Fabio Silva did and he is nowhere near worth that money, but he's a bit of a starboy and a player you want to be around, for sure.

"From what we've seen this season, you know, what more can he do in the Premier League? What can he do in the Championship?

"Obviously, with our owners, you worry that we don't cash in on him now and they end up selling him for a much lower fee in years to come. [Rayan] Ait-Nouri, as an example. One of the best left-backs in the league for two or three seasons.

"And we sold him, in comparison to other transfer fees for other players, a really nominal fee. But, yeah, it's tough. He could've had just one really good season. He could be a one-season wonder.

"You cash in, it might be the best thing. On the other hand, he could develop and develop and develop and it's one of those things. You just never know, really. I personally would like to keep him around, though.

"I think he gave us something last year that we haven't seen since the [Diogo] Jota, [Raul] Jimenez, Adama [Traore] days. The ability to just take the ball on and go. I mean, [Matheus] Cunha had it too.

"But yeah, he was a real pick-me-up during last season, but our owners are stupid at times. So, we take the £30 million now, or £10 million later. Or neither and a massive fee later, I don't know.

"But I'd like to keep him at the club, I think."

Mateus Mane should stay at Wolves for 2026/27

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Despite Wolves' relegation, Mane would be wise to remain at Molineux for the 2026/27 campaign. At this stage of his career, a full season of regular Championship football could prove to be more beneficial to his development than a move to a bigger club where opportunities may be harder to come by.

The second tier is one of Europe's most demanding leagues and is still extremely high quality both tactically and technically as well. Playing week in, week out for a promotion-chasing side would provide the ideal environment for Mane to refine his game and continue his upward trajectory.

There is every chance he could explode over the next 12 months if given that platform. Wolves would then benefit too. Whether Mane helps fire the club back to the Premier League or not, another season of development and exposure would almost certainly increase his market value.

In many ways, patience could be the best outcome for all parties before any major transfer is considered. However, it is difficult to turn down offers in excess of £30 million after you feel the financial sting of relegation as an owner. Can they stand firm? Can they convince Mane that Molineux is the best place for him?