Wolves hierarchy questioned after ‘complicated’ transfer situation | OneFootball

Wolves had a quiet end to the transfer window after failing to bring in the right winger that Cesar Peixoto had asked for.

Wolves had a surprisingly quiet end to the transfer window, as they finished their business with deals for Ghislain Konan and Sean Neave.

With relegation from the Premier League effectively on the cards prior to Christmas, many fans had hoped the club would use that time to ensure they were ready for the current campaign.

However, the decision to sack Rob Edwards, weeks after the season had finished, meant they were essentially starting again in terms of planning under Cesar Peixoto.

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Wolves didn’t deliver on their pre-transfer window claims

Edwards attended a fans' forum with chairman Nathan Shi and technical director Matt Jackson in May, where the club were very bullish about how they would reshape the squad, as they indicated they were prepared to spend big to win promotion this season.

As it transpires, Joao Virginia, for a modest fee, and Rafiki Said for £7.7m, were the two permanent additions that cost money, although Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez will be on substantial wages for this level, and Jordan James joined on loan in what was a coup.

Even with Peixoto succeeding Edwards, many fans expected the club to show more ambition, particularly as the Portuguese coach had outlined where he wanted to strengthen the squad.

Despite calling for a right-winger, no deal was agreed, with Sean Neave, who has played 16 minutes in professional football, adding to Peixoto’s up front after joining from Newcastle on loan.

So, it was a mixed window on the whole for Wanderers, who lost their first game of the season at West Ham on deadline day.

And, when quizzed by FLW about the window, Wolves fan pundit Thomas Woodhall admitted it would be difficult to trust the club again, but he did acknowledge that they have done some good deals, as he insists the defeat to the Hammers was unfortunate, rather than a sign of further problems.

“The only thing I’d question about the transfer window as a whole, and, to quote the club, ‘we’re going to punch our way out of the division’ and we’re so used to doing business late, but we’ll do it early this time.

“I don’t know if things changed after Rob Edwards was sacked, but it’s really tough to take their word at face value. Once a new manager comes in it obviously shifts things in a new direction, as Peixoto may want to try things. So, it’s complicated, but he still had enough time to identify new players. Said looks like a Jorge Mendes player, as opposed to what the manager wants.

“The loss to West Ham is nothing, it’s not related to the transfer window. The scoreline flattered West Ham, if we had scored our chances early on, it could’ve gone our way.

“Any fan would’ve taken a draw before, but even their goals don’t happen every game, and they had two or three like that!

“I’m pleased with the players we’ve retained, and some that we’ve brought in, especially Jordan James. Trippier and Jimenez are great, Konan looks solid, so I’m happy.”

Wolves have gambled with their lack of action on transfer deadline day

It must be said that in Trippier, James and Jimenez, Wolves made three standout additions that are up there with the best deals in the division.

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Plus, many would argue that they have the strongest squad in the Championship, so there won’t be too much sympathy from rival fans at Wolves’ situation.

But, in the context of the club, it’s easy to see why fans are frustrated. Firstly, communication with the supporters was terrible under former chairman Jeff Shi, so the fact that Nathan Shi and Jackson effectively lied at the fans forum will not go down well.

It’s worth remembering that Wolves were one of the worst teams the Premier League has ever seen last season, and fans were hoping for a fresh start.

Of course, it’s never that easy, and if clubs don’t come in for their players, then Wolves wouldn’t be able to have the overhaul that many expected.

Nevertheless, it’s clear they didn’t back Peixoto on the final day, and the failure to bring in another winger means that Wolves lack depth, which could cost them if the squad is hit by injuries.

It’s not like they needed to spend big money either, as a host of players who would’ve improved Wolves’ squad joined rivals on loan.

So, even though the squad looks quality, it’s difficult to grasp why Wolves didn’t take the last step by getting in a winger and a more experienced striker than Sean Neave, and that gamble could be one that costs the club in the automatic promotion race.