Wolverhampton Wanderers chairman Jeff Shi has claimed the club are in talks with potential minority investors.
Wolves have been owned by Fosun, a Chinese conglomerate, since its takeover in 2016.
The Athletic reported last year that while the consistent line from senior figures at Molineux has been that Wolves are not for sale, conversations about potential investment had taken place. The talks did not develop into detailed proposals, but it was clear Fosun were open to discussions about a sale, partial or full.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Shi said: “We have been speaking with groups about minority investment and there is plenty of interest.
“We have to find the right people aligned with us. The valuation, terms, and how we work together for Wolves’ long-term future is all important.
“We are in a very active process now to have more investors to join us.”
Wolves sold Matheus Nunes, Ruben Neves, Raul Jimenez, Nathan Collins and Conor Coady in the summer of 2023 to avoid the club breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR). Then head coach Julen Lopetegui departed five days before the 2023-24 campaign amid frustrations over the club’s transfer budget and lack of summer signings.
Wolves again sold a number of individuals this summer, with Maximilian Kilman and Pedro Neto departing to West Ham United and Chelsea, and they raised nearly £100million ($131m) through player sales.
They did make additions in forward areas with the signings of Jorgen Strand Larsen, Rodrigo Gomes and Carlos Forbs, and brought in talent from Brazil in Andre and Pedro Lima, who had been targeted by Chelsea. Their spending set them back around £60m ($80m), making them the fifth lowest spenders in the top-flight, but this could rise by £34m ($45m) next summer if deals for Strand Larsen and Forbs become permanent.
Shi also said his long-stated aim has been to make Wolves a self-sustaining entity. He explained his ambition was to grow the club’s global fanbase, remain competitive in the Premier League, win a trophy and qualify for Europe.
Wolves have taken one point from their opening five Premier League matches and sit bottom of the Premier League. They return to action against Liverpool on Saturday.
(Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
