There is little doubt that Wolverhampton are in crisis. – It will be hard to fight to stay up in the Premier League with only two points after 11 games, it is no wonder the club decided to change manager.
The club’s top executives have told newly appointed manager Rob Edwards that none of the club’s will be sold in January following a private promise.
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Rob Edwards, who is said to have demanded a quiet January knowing that Jørgen Strand Larsen, who is a formidable goalscorer in form, is wanted by money-rich Newcastle. Edwards has been promised that there will be no fire sale of his best players in January.
It may be difficult to keep that promise after Jørgen Strand Larsen’s fantastic overtime goal against Italy. – Norwegian players are more exciting than ever and Strand Larsen’s value has increased extra after the goal.
Wolves’ new boss has been assured that the club will not make money on its key assets in the new year.
Edwards won’t be forced to sell big names
Rob Edwards, 42, agreed to take over the hottest seat in English top-flight football this week after detailed talks. Part of these conversations included questions about the motivation of Wolves’ hierarchy going forward.
But it looks like any interest in the players will be shelved in the summer. That will give Wolves’ decision-makers plenty of time to reallocate their resources if necessary.
Several players have significant market value
There are several players in Edwards’ squad who have significant value in the market.
Chief among them is striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, who was the subject of a £60 million offer from Newcastle United just before the transfer window closed.
Newcastle United received a strong warning to stay away, and time worked against them when the Norwegian international managed to secure a new deal with a higher salary based on the inquiry.
Strand Larsen was given the captain’s armband just before Edwards’ predecessor Vitor Pereira left the club, but it is unlikely that he will force a sale.
Gomes among the highest valued at Molineux
The same thought processes are probably at the forefront of the mind of another highly marketable player, Joao Gomes. It has only been seven months since the Brazilian signed a new deal.
That 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 profile and experience in the Premier League would be big pluses if a buyer emerged.
Edwards needs to make quick decisions to improve his form
On one level, the message from the board that Wolves will not make money from the players will be welcome.
But Edwards will have to make immediate decisions – and quickly – if he is to breathe life back into a season that seems stillborn.
The next four away games include a trip 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.
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