Wolves are preparing for a huge season under Cesar Peixoto as they look to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt. The previous campaign was embarrassing for Wanderers, with years of poor decisions under former chairman Jeff Shi, combined with a terrible transfer window, resulting in a season that saw them muster just 20 points. They were effectively relegated by the time Rob Edwards had arrived in November.
Since then, there has been a lot of change at Molineux. Nathan Shi no relation to Jeff, has taken over as chairman. Edwards was dismissed shortly after the club had announced the signings of Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez.
There was plenty of fallout from the decision to sack Edwards, with reports claiming that Trippier was very unhappy to the extent he may have looked to leave the club before he had even trained with his new teammates.
Trippier stays as Peixoto reassures key man
However, that won’t be happening. Peixoto has had discussions with Trippier to assure the right back he will be a key player moving forward, and the former England international is set to stay.
The focus will be on helping Wolves win promotion, which is undoubtedly the aim for Peixoto and his players. Of course, it won’t be easy, with West Ham and Burnley sharing similar ambitions, and several other Championship clubs who will fancy their chances.
A Championship wage bill that stands out
Wolves will be among the biggest spenders when it comes to wages. Trippier and Jimenez are two statement signings in that sense. The duo, both 35, were out of contract at Newcastle and Fulham respectively, but they will be commanding hefty salaries by Championship standards.
While these are estimates, Capology claims that Jimenez was on £100,000 a week at Craven Cottage, with Newcastle paying Trippier £120,000. In comparison, the right back’s wage is believed to be higher than any other Wolves player, with Joao Gomes currently the top earner at Molineux on £105,000 a week.
Relegation wage cuts but still big sums
Obviously, relegation has a massive financial consequence. Wolves players will have clauses in their contracts that see their wages cut by up to 50%, which is standard practice. Even so, they will still be paying out big sums.
Of the players still at Wolves, Capology say Toti Gomes is on £85,000 a week, with Tolu Arokodare and Jean Ricner Bellegarde on £75,000 a week, and Hwang Hee Chan on £70,000. Unsurprisingly, there are doubts about their futures, as Wolves may not feel they are contributing anywhere near such pay, even with the relegation reduction.
Andre’s new deal signals intent
Capology estimates that Andre is on £60,000 a week, and the Brazilian has signed a new contract following relegation. That naturally started speculation that Wolves have given him an improved deal that effectively kept his pay at a level he was used to in the Premier League.
If so, it gives an indication as to what a top earner could be on, and you would expect Trippier to be on a similar number given his pedigree.
Keeping Andre was a major coup for the club. Along with Trippier and Jimenez, Wolves have had a fantastic start to the transfer window.
The bottom line
Big wages. Big names. Big ambition.
Wolves are spending serious money to get back to the Premier League. Trippier, Jimenez and Andre are statement signings.
Nathan Shi is serious about promotion. The wage bill proves it.
It won’t be easy. West Ham, Burnley and others will have something to say about that. But Wolves are building a squad capable of competing at the top of the Championship.
The season ahead promises to be huge. And Molineux is ready.
