Wolves were relegated from the Premier League in 2026 after a disastrous season under manager Rob Edwards.
The front doors at Wolves' training facility malfunctioned one Friday afternoon, briefly locking staff out. This incident symbolized the club's season, with Wolves struggling under manager Rob Edwards since November. Despite being handed an almost impossible task, Edwards could not prevent relegation. The club's fate was sealed after a 0-0 draw at West Ham's match against Crystal Palace on Monday.
Wolves have been stuck at the bottom of the Premier League table since the third week of the season, managing just three wins. Despite the bleak campaign, the club hints at optimism for brighter days ahead. This contradicts the slow, downward spiral that has defined their descent. Supporter protests against owners Fosun and former chairman Jeff Shi highlighted deep fractures within the club, which grew worse during the team's poor start.
Wolves' downfall was worsened by failing to replace key players after selling Raul Jimenez, Diogo Jota, Ruben Neves, Matheus Cunha, and Rayan Ait-Nouri in recent years. None of the 2024 summer signings became regulars, with only Rodrigo Gomes and Sam Johnstone included in matchday squads. January 2025 arrivals Emmanuel Agbadou, Nasser Djiga, and Marshall Munetsi were meant to help survival, but Agbadou was sold to Besiktas last month while Djiga and Munetsi were loaned out. Jhon Arias, signed from Fluminense, was sold to Palmeiras for over £20m, and Fer Lopez returned to Celta Vigo on loan.
The club's transfer business drew criticism, with no Premier League-quality additions after losing Cunha to Manchester United and Ait-Nouri to Manchester City. Nelson Semedo and Pablo Sarabia also left for free. Former director of professional football Domenico Teti departed days after Victor Pereira's sacking, having approved the signings despite Pereira's dissatisfaction with the slow transfer process. Pereira felt his first-choice targets were unavailable and later regretted staying for a new contract.
Wolves believed there was value in the European transfer market, with Ladislav Krejci's loan from Girona standing out as their best business. Meanwhile, David Moller Wolfe, Tolu Arokodare, and Jackson Tchatchoua arrived for a combined £45m but had minimal impact. Despite these issues, the club insists the lesson has been learned, seeking a fresh start to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Fans at Molineux chanted 'You've sold the team - now sell the club' in October as frustrations peaked. Jeff Shi's December interview with BBC WM, where he seemingly dismissed relegation concerns, angered supporters. Shi left the club less than six weeks after Pereira's dismissal in November, following just two points from the first ten games. His exit removed a contentious figure but discontent toward Fosun persists.
Fosun remains committed to Wolves despite exploring investment into Fosun Sports Group, with discussions held with former Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor in October. The ownership is expected to provide funds to strengthen the squad for an immediate Premier League return, though supporters may struggle to overlook past missteps. Fosun has owned the club for nearly a decade, with early success fading into a slow decline.
Wolves have had six permanent managers since Nuno Espirito Santo left in 2021, excluding Steve Davis' eight-game interim spell in 2022. Nuno guided Wolves to promotion in 2018 and two seventh-place finishes, European quarter-finals, and an FA Cup semi-final. His departure followed a 13th-place finish, and despite a 10th-place finish under Bruno Lage in 2022, Wolves slipped to 13th, 14th, and 16th in subsequent seasons.
Comparisons are drawn with Leicester and Southampton, both of which faced similar struggles last season. Wolves initially shared the same toxic atmosphere early in the campaign, though Leicester's situation remains unresolved. The club's recent poor form has led to internal acceptance of relegation, with fans even chanting '1-0 to the Championship' during matches.
Rob Edwards joined from Middlesbrough in November and initially lost his first seven games. However, he has since improved squad performances, with rising running stats and better intensity. Edwards is popular among players and works well alongside assistant Harry Watling, combining support with strong motivation. The February win over Aston Villa marked a turning point, with Edwards celebrating Rodrigo Gomes' stoppage-time goal as fans cheered.