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.