Wolverhampton Wanderers are on the brink of a historic low after managing just two points from their opening 12 Premier League matches. Fans directed chants of “You’ve sold the team, now sell the club” at owners Fosun following a defeat to Crystal Palace, the club’s tenth league loss of the season. Relegation appears almost certain before December, with Derby County’s record low of 11 points now a realistic threat.
Since Fosun’s takeover in 2016, Wolves enjoyed eight consecutive seasons in the top flight and a first European campaign in a generation. However, the club has since slipped into a terminal decline, finishing in the bottom half for four of the last five seasons. The current campaign is on course to be the worst in the club’s recent history.
Fosun’s focus on self-sustainability has led to a constant churn of star players. Key departures include Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota, Raul Jimenez, Pedro Neto, and Matheus Nunes, among others. Replacements have consistently failed to match the quality of those sold, and managerial instability has compounded the problems. Nuno Espirito Santo, Bruno Lage, Julen Lopetegui, Gary O’Neil, and Vitor Pereira have all left since 2021, with Rob Edwards now tasked with reviving the side.
Executive chairman Jeff Shi has faced heavy criticism from fans. In a 2024 open letter, he wrote: “If you only pursue trophies or consistent European football, Wolves might not be an ideal choice.” Supporters have also expressed anger over rising season ticket prices and a perceived lack of ambition from the boardroom.
Under previous owner Steve Morgan, Wolves dropped to League One, but the current trajectory under Fosun has left many fearing an even steeper fall. Without significant investment or a change of ownership, the club’s return to the Premier League era looks set to end in disappointment.
