Wolves' transfers: Supporters in dreamland with a summer of stellar signings

Portugal’s number one goalkeeper Rui Patricio and fellow countryman Joao Moutinho, a highly experienced midfielder, will take Wolves to the next level. Who could have imagined Wolves could have pulled off these signings a few years ago?

It is all thanks to the vision of Nuno Espirito Santo and of course the financial backing of Fosun. Both parties want to establish Wolves as a formidable force in the Premier League.

This is the Nuno revolution in full swing. Phase one of winning promotion from the Championship is now done and we are on to phase two of Fosun’s 10-year-plan. Nuno knows how he wants his team to play, who he wants to sign and what type of players are required to fit his system.

So far Wolves have made nine signings this summer. And that is with the World Cup being in the way as an obstacle. Of the nine signings, four of those are last season’s loanees – Diogo Jota (£13million), Willy Boly (£10m), Leo Bonatini (£5m) and Ruben Vinagre (£2m) - who were all impressive.

Then Wolves brought back Benik Afobe – who previously played at Molineux several seasons ago – for £10m following his loan spell last season; before quickly, and rather ruthlessly, moving him on to Stoke City for £12m, paving the way for a cool £2m profit.

But that ruthless business-like approach is how Wolves have gone about their transfer business under Fosun. Look at how they landed Patricio, on a free transfer on the back of the controversy at Sporting (although a compensation fee will likely be paid).

And now Barry Douglas, a fan favourite, has been sold to Leeds United in a shock exit from Molineux - after wing-back Jonny Castro was brought in on loan.

Striker Raul Jimenez has also been brought in on loan, with Wolves having the option to buy him at the end of the season. This loan policy - having an option to buy - is a smart bit of business, which Wolves employed last season, where they can make calculated signings afterwards.

But Wolves are not done yet. They are still believed to be keen on signing another two players before the transfer deadline.

This has been a surprising and eventful transfer window but that is the result of Nuno moulding his team for England’s top flight.

None was more surprising than the capture of Patricio – one of Europe’s best goalkeepers – on the back of the drama at his former club (where he was among a number of players attacked by masked thugs, prompting his resignation).

Then there is the acquisition of Moutinho, a proven international class midfielder, from Monaco, a big name linked with numerous top clubs in the last few years.

When Fosun took over in 2016 they pledged to invest £20-£30m, over two years. So far they have spent nearly £100 million on signings.

And the players brought in have been exciting and talented. All this would have been unbelievable just a few short seasons ago.

But this is a new era for Wolves. Back in the Premier League, with a top quality squad and strategic rich owners willing to splash the cash.

Wolves fans are in dreamland.