Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are in complete crisis after a miserable first half of the season, have told new manager Rob Edwards that no top players will be sold in January. – This is despite the fact that there is big money on the table for several of them, including the Norwegian striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, who in overtime right after being put on the table further humiliated Italy by scoring a spectacular goal.
The hope is that Jørgen Strand Larsen will find his way back to the scoring form from last season, where he actually saved Wolverhampton from relegation and what he showed for Norway in the 1 – 4 overrun of Italy.
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Wolves’ new boss has received assurances that the club will not be making money on its most important players in the new year. Such a move would be a devastating blow to the slim chances the Black-Village-based club has of staying in the Premier League.
Edwards will not be forced to sell star players
The 42-year-old Edwards agreed to take over the toughest coaching chair in English top-flight football this week after detailed talks. Part of these conversations dealt with questions about the Wolves management’s motivation and future plans.
But it seems that all interest in their players will be shelved in the summer. That will give Wolves’ decision-makers plenty of time to reallocate their resources if necessary.
There are several players in Edwards’ squad who have significant market value. Chief among them is striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, who was the subject of a £60m offer from Newcastle United shortly before the transfer window closed.
The Magpies received a clear “stay away” message, and time worked against them as the Norwegian international managed to secure a new and better deal as a result of the interest.
Strand Larsen was given the captain’s armband shortly before Edwards’ predecessor Vitor Pereira left the club, but it is unlikely that he will force a sale.
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Norway’s victory over Estonia on Thursday night means that they are all but guaranteed a place in next year’s World Cup. That means the striker has a chance to shine, potentially alongside Erling Haaland, in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Considering that opportunity to show off, it’s perfectly reasonable to think that Strand Larsen will give himself the maximum opportunity to advance his career – and that it is best served by being able to showcase his talents against the best.
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Key statistics: Jørgen Strand Larsen is averaging 1.3 shots per Premier League appearance this season.
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Gomes is among those with the highest value at Molineux
The same thought processes are probably central to the mind of another highly marketable player, João Gomes. It has only been seven months since the Brazilian signed a new deal.
This deal was for five years – plus another year in the club’s favour – and while his star has faded with the club’s results, both his age and experience in the Premier League would be big pluses should a buyer emerge.
It’s hard to see too much immediate value elsewhere. Potentially, Gomes’ midfield partner André could command a hefty transfer fee, but he will have three years left on his contract following his £18m transfer from Fluminense last year.
Beyond that, there may be value in the line of players who have been bought, but who have not yet found their footing while the season has collapsed around them.
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As for the rest, the verdict is out. Both Wolves – and potential buyers – will find it difficult to make a decision when there is so little evidence to go by. Part of the problems Pereira ran into were due to the rapid upheaval in the squad he took over.
The sale of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri for a combined sum close to £100 million allowed Wolves to reinvest. But players like Tolu Arokodare, bought for £26 million from Genk, have barely had any chance to shine.
The same goes for Fer López from Celta Vigo and Fluminense’s Jhon Arias. Both may eventually have the ability to play in the Premier League, but the prospect of being able to convince everyone else of their worth will take longer than the six weeks remaining before the January window opens.
It’s a similar story when it comes to Jackson Tchatchoua, a new player from Greece Verona. It is too early for others to pass judgment on him.
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When Wolves confirm Rob Edwards as manager until 2029 – Jeff Shi with a 106-word declaration
On one level, the message from the board that Wolves will not sell will be received with joy. But Edwards will have to make immediate decisions – and quickly – if he is to breathe any life back into a season that seems stillborn.
The next four away games include visits to Villa Park, Emirates Stadium, Anfield and Old Trafford to face Aston Villa, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.
The two-week international break may have given everyone at Molineux breathing room. But it’s probably just the calm before the storm. The next two-week break will come towards the end of March.
And while the squad may not have changed much, Edwards – and Wolves – need to see what the current squad is made of before any long-term decisions about players’ futures are discussed.
