Wolverhampton Wanderers are undergoing what many might refer to as a Renaissance period of their own. The club has undergone wholesale changes as they look to join the new age football movement of foreign take-overs by billionaires, thereby having access to a war chest of finance and a shot at instant success. But as alluring as it might sound, however, it does not guarantee sure shot success. Therefore, the initial state of trepidation amongst the club faithful is understandable.
Wolves have been sold to Fosun International for a deal believed to be in the region of £45m and previous owner Steve Morgan said the Chinese company will be investing around £20m-£30m over the next two years alone. The new-look board at Molineux will consist of four members, including Jeff Shi, who led the negotiations on behalf of Fosun and will become the club’s representative, while local businessmen and Wolves supporters John Bowater and John Gough will also continue to serve as non-executive board members. Shi reiterated the new owner’s wholehearted commitment to the club while stressing on the fact the immediate goal was to gain promotion to the Premier League and remain there.
“Our goal is crystal clear: we will do our very best to help take Wolves back to the Premier League as soon as possible and to stay there.
“We believe the club and the fans belong at the top of English football and getting there is our first and top priority.”
And what has got the attention of the footballing fraternity in this deal is the major involvement of super-agent Jorge Mendes. He is said to be a big player in the scheme of things and it means they could have access to a whole host of top emerging talents from the continent, they could act as a feeder club for the talents of these players and in turn that could strengthen the scene at Molineux. Mendes, through his managerial clients could be in a position to equip Wolves with some of the finest loan talent available.
And they have made a strong statement in their quest for promotion by signing Silvio from Atletico Madrid after the player mutually terminated his contract with the club. He has joined on a one-year deal with an option to add a second year.
ABOUT THE PLAYER
The defender who is comfortable playing in both full-back positions will add much-needed experience and quality to the young Wolves side. He has welcomed the opportunity to play in England and believes Wolves are capable of making a fight for promotion this season.
‘’I don’t believe Wolves is a step back in my career because the Championship is full of good clubs and I think we can be promoted. I know it’s a young team but I believe that, with my knowledge and experience in football, I can help the squad.’’
The Lisbon-born full-back played for Braga in the 2011 Europa League final before moving to Atletico, since then he has spent time on loan at Deportivo and Benfica.
His comfort on the ball will come in handy and his concentration levels throughout the match enables him in cutting down on errors. His threat from indirect set-pieces will be an added bonus for the Wolves.
The club have appointed Walter Zenga and he will look to get the new signings up to speed as they embark on a difficult season with high hopes and aspirations.
