WE BRING YOU THE KEY POINTS FROM JEFF SHI'S INTERVIEW POST TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY
Here are the key points from Wolves chairman Jeff Shi’s interview:
Transfer window and squad building
Calls it a good window focused on backing head coach Vitor Pereira. They spoke almost daily through the summer.
Aim was to shape the squad around the coach’s philosophy; says roughly 90% of targets were achieved.
Six signings plus three returning players from loans/injury make it “quite a new team.”
Priority was sporting fit over finances, though streamlining the wage bill and right-sizing the squad was a plus.
Early-season form
Not worried about three defeats to start; stresses it’s a 38‑game season.
Attributes slow start partly to major squad changes that need time to gel.
Emphasis on team chemistry, unity, leadership, and hard work as foundations for results.
Departures and major deals
Matheus Cunha: departure agreed by consensus between player, club, and coach; right timing for all parties.
Rayan Aït‑Nouri: price viewed as fair given market benchmarks and contract situation; player indicated it was time to move. Would have kept him if the price was wrong.
Fabio Silva: admires him, but felt the time was right to move on; happy with fee and outcome at Dortmund.
Nelson Semedo: club offered a new deal out of respect, but internally expected he’d leave for non-financial reasons (new environment/family). Work to replace right back began as early as May.
Midfield situation
Tommy Doyle and Boubacar Traoré left to get regular minutes; both needed game time.
Explored adding a midfielder, but standards were high and options limited; decided not to force a signing, citing existing cover.
Coach backing and structure
Strong consensus to back Vítor after last season; wants stability and time for the coach.
Internal changes (Matt Hobbs out, Domenico Teti in) were about alignment, chemistry, and unified support for the first team.
Transfer mechanism: collaborative team (recruitment, scouts, execs) presents options; coach has final say; timing often dictated by market realities.
Recruitment approach
Signings must be ready to compete in the Premier League within weeks to a few months, even if young.
Not wedded to “Premier League experience”; fit, personality, and tactical suitability matter more.
Market complexity means some arrivals are early, others late; they aim for best-possible targets first, then move to next options if needed.
Key players retained
Jorgen Strand Larsen: “never considered” selling; sees him as a top striker who can hit 20 goals; expects him to refocus and contribute after minor injury.
Finances
Club is fine on PSR; finances not the primary driver of decisions.
Outgoings that reduced wages help, but choices were mainly sporting and timing-based.
Ambitions
Short term: compete strongly in league and cups, build stability and chemistry, take things game by game.
Long term: return to Europe and challenge for trophies; acknowledges difficulty but wants the club ready to seize opportunities.
Believes this season’s squad environment is positive, committed, and tight-knit.
JEFF SHI TALKS: WOLVES SUMMER WINDOW 2025