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The arrival of Fosun group
The year 2016 saw Steve Morgan selling the Wolverhampton Wanderers to Chinese Investment group Fosun International for 30 million pound deal, almost immediately ending the three-year reign of Jackett after terminating the contract of the manager by the new owners.
Former Inter Milan goalkeeper Walter Zenga was signed up in his place, only to see the Italian sacked after just 14 games into the season.
His replacement Paul Lambert lasted just 33 matches for the Wolves as they terminated his contract by mutual consent after finishing 15th in the 2016/17 season.
2017 /18 season saw former FC Porto manager Nuno Espirito Santo at the helm of Wolves. With new signing Ruben Neves and loanee's Diogo Jota (Atletico Madrid) and Ruben Vinagre(AS Monaco) as Wolves cruised through the EFL Championship, finishing nine points clear of second-placed Cardiff City with 99 points from 46 matches as they secured their fourth EFL Championship.
Present state
Wolverhampton Wanderers have been involved in a busy transfer window with a host of players coming in as well as leaving the EFL Championship winners with Portuguese Euro cup winning internationals Joao Moutinho and Rui Patricio joining the side while and Diogo Jota and Ruben Vinagre joining making their moves to the Molineux on a permanent basis. With the new additions, Wolves will be looking to enter into their first European season since the 1970s.
The Fosun group's close ties with Super Agent Jorge Mendes, which has seen several clubs complaining to the FA, has seen several of the Portuguese clients joining the newcomers of Premier League with coach Nuno Espirito Santo and recent additions Joao Moutinho and Rui Patricio coming from Mendes' stable.
The Wolverhampton squad very evidently has a heavy Portuguese influence with seven of the players coming from Portugal with star players like Jota, Moutinho, Patricio and Neves all having Portuguese nationality.
Transfer Activity
Transfer In: Joao Moutinho, Rui Patricio, Diogo Jota, Ruben Vinagre, Wily Boly, Leo Bonatini, Benik Afobe, Adama Traore
Loan in: Raul Jimenez, Jonny Castro
Transfer Out: Duckens Nazon, Ben Marshall, Prince Oniangue, Barry Douglas
Loan out: Christian Herc, Aaron Collins, Benik Afobe, Harry Burgoyne, Sherwin Seedorf, Roderick Miranda, Rafa Mir, Ben Goodliffe, Aaron Hayden
Squad
Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio, John Ruddy, Will Norris
Defenders: Danny Bath, Ryan Bennett, Willy Boly, Conor Coady, Sylvain Deslandes, Matt Doherty, Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Kortney Hause, Dominic Iorfa, Jonny, Phil Ofosu-Ayeh, Ruben Vinagre
Midfielders: Morgan Gibbs-White, Jordan Graham, Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves, Connor Ronan, Romain Saiss
Forwards: Leo Bonatini, Ivan Cavaleiro, Helder Costa, Bright Enobakhare, Paul Gladon, Raul Jimenez, Diogo Jota, Joe Mason, Michal Zyro
Key Players
Ruben Neves
One of the first signings and definitely one of the most important signings of the Wolves team under Nuno Espirito Santo, Ruben Neves was instrumental in the road to the EFL championship for Wolves last season as they won the EFL Championship recording 99 points from 46 matches.
The 21-year old, who was signed on a then-record club transfer fee from FC Porto last year, recently signed a five-year contract with the Wolves after speculations arose about the Portuguese midfielder wanting to leave the club started doing the rounds.
The Portuguese midfielder made 38 appearances and scored six goals for the 4-time FA Cup winners. Neves is a defensive midfielder who likes a good tackle and loves scoring breathtaking goals while also being adept at playing a bit more upfront.
The Wolves faithful will be hoping for the 21-year old to have a great season as they aim for a place in Europe this season.
Diogo Jota
Another piece in the Championship winning side Wolverhampton Wanderers last season, Diogo Jota who joined the Wolves on loan from Atletico Madrid last season scored a career-best 18 goals last season before joining Wolves for on a permanent deal this season.
The midfielder who is can play both wide and centrally is judged by the pundits to be the best midfielder coming from the newly promoted sides. The Wolves faithful will be looking for their midfielder to have a similar goalscoring form as they search for European qualification this season.
Joao Moutinho
One of the recent additions to the Wolves squad, the European winner will provide much-needed experience to the relatively inexperienced Wolverhampton Wanderers midfield. The third most capped Portuguese player who moved to Molineux from AS Monaco will need to be at his best to help Wolves finish in the European places. The midfielder was involved in 44 matches for Ligue 1 side Monaco last season.
The 31-year-old may not have the legs compared to his younger compatriots but is by far one of the best midfielders to be produced by Portugal with his ability to read situations and willingness to track back along with his immaculate passing range an eye for the goal hallmarks of the former AS Monaco man.
Rui Patricio
Few would have believed when the news broke up about Rui Patricio joining the newly promoted side Wolves till officially announced.
In one of the coups of this transfer window, Rui Patricio's decision to join newly promoted Premier League side Wolves in place of a host of other Champions League clubs was one of the most bewildered decisions made.
The 31-year-old joined Wolves on a free transfer after terminating his contract with boyhood club Sporting CP due to a training ground mishap involving players and fans.
One of the most consistent and commanding goalkeeper around, Rui Patricio is capable of making jaw-dropping lightning quick saves most recently seen in Portugal's matches against Iran and Morocco as well as his heroics in the 2016 European Championship.
The strong winning mentality, his vocal communication as well as his experience will provide the Wolves defence a much more calming influence while also keeping the Wolves defence on their toes.
Wolves possible Starting XI:
Rui Patricio, Roman Saiss, Conor Coady, Wily Boly, Barry Douglas, Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves, Jonny, Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez, Diogo Jota.
