Wolves have finalised two post-deadline sale agreements in the lead-up to their Premier League encounter with Chelsea this weekend, as the club strategically plans for life in the Championship next season.
Relegation Reality Spurs Transfer Activity
With a dismal campaign seeing Wolves win only once in the league so far, relegation to the second tier appears inevitable. Rob Edwards' squad currently sits 18 points from safety with just 14 games remaining, making their drop to the Championship a near certainty.
This precarious position has prompted the West Midlands club to act decisively in the transfer market, securing deals in January rather than waiting until the summer when their relegation could weaken their bargaining power.
Key Sales to Crystal Palace and Besiktas
In a significant move, Wolves sold striker Jorgen Strand Larsen to Crystal Palace for approximately £47 million. Additionally, in a late agreement that fell after the English deadline but within the Turkish window, they have agreed to sell defender Emmanuel Agbadou to Besiktas.
According to reports from the Express and Star, Besiktas had been pursuing Agbadou since December, and the deal is now set at £17 million, including achievable add-ons by the season's end. Wolves have managed to recoup their investment on the centre-back, turning a £1 million profit—a feat unlikely if they had delayed the sale.
Impact on Squad and Manager's Plans
Agbadou made 14 league appearances for Wolves this season, so his departure does weaken Edwards' defensive options. However, the club is clearly focusing on rebuilding for the Championship, a strategy that may benefit them in the long term but could leave them vulnerable in their upcoming match against Chelsea.
Further Deal with Palmeiras
In another development, TeamTalk reports that Wolves are selling midfielder Jhon Arias to Palmeiras for £21 million, also securing a profit on this transaction. A source from Wolves emphasised that this is not a fire-sale, stating, "Both deals are good value. Both players were not in the manager’s plans, relegation or not, and they wanted to leave—to make money on both is good for the club."
Chelsea's Advantage and Winter Window Moves
Despite these sales, Chelsea may view Wolves' weakened squad as an opportunity ahead of their weekend clash. The Blues have bolstered their own team with signings like Adam Armstrong and Angel Gomes during the winter window, but a failure to secure a win against Wolves would be a significant setback for their campaign.
As Wolves navigate their relegation and transfer strategies, these deals highlight a pragmatic approach to financial management and squad planning, setting the stage for a challenging transition back to Championship football.
