To say the least, Fosun International have a marmite reputation amongst Wolves supporters. Since acquiring the club in 2016, they have contributed to whopping heights, including promotion to the Premier League and a stint in Europe. However, mid-table mediocrity and controversial signalling to supporters have left their status damaged in Wolverhampton. In their nine full seasons in charge of the club, there have been some outstanding players to put on the old gold and black. To mark a 10th year at the club this summer, let’s look at the best Wolves player from every season Fosun have run Wolves. Written by Tom Davison.
2016/17: Hélder Costa (35 Appearances, 10 Goals)
Upon arrival at Wolves in the summer of 2016, it was quickly apparent that Costa was the standard bearer for the rest of the team. Shining on the wing in an otherwise average squad, Costa chipped in with 18 goal involvements in 35 league games. This form saw the winger pen a permanent contract at Molineux for a then club record fee of £13 million. Likewise, memorable performances in the FA Cup as Wolves claimed victory at two Premier League grounds left a huge mark on the supporters and players. Earning a hat trick of awards at the club’s end of season awards, there couldn’t really be anybody else occupying this spot.
Honourable Mention: Dave Edwards (44 Appearances, 10 Goals)
2017/18: Rúben Neves (42 Appearances, 6 Goals)
Smashing the club record fee paid for Hélder Costa just six months later (£15.8 million), expectations were high for Rúben Neves in a Wolves shirt. Having become the youngest ever player to start and captain a club in the Champions League aged just 18, the move seemed a backwards step to some. Thankfully, the midfielder far exceeded the already lofty expectations set of him. Displaying quality, arguably never replicated in the second division, Rúben wowed supporters with an elite passing range and sumptuous long range goals that seemed to come with relative ease. Setting the tempo as the club ran away with the title, Neves’ adoration by the Wolves fans began within his very first season.
Honourable Mention: Diogo Jota (44 Appearances, 17 goals)
2018/19: João Moutinho (38 Appearances, 1 Goal)
Keen to establish themselves as a Premier League level side, Wolves brought in numerous additions who each brought something new to the table. Arguably the finest of the bunch was João Moutinho, joining the club for a mere £5 million from Monaco. Portugal’s third most capped player notched eight assists in 2018/19, showing his undeniable quality in all 38 Premier League games. The king of consistency for Wolves, Moutinho’s maturity and intelligence on the pitch quickly earned him the respect of the Molineux faithful. Slotting a beauty past De Gea at Old Trafford, Moutinho’s only goal of the season remains a triumphant moment in Wolves’ first season in the top flight since 2012. The toughest decision of the list, Moutinho’s consistency and availability sees him edge out top spot.
Honourable Mention: Raúl Jiménez (38 Appearances, 13 Goals)
2019/20: Raúl Jiménez (38 Appearances, 17 Goals)
An eye catching debut season saw Wolves make Raúl’s loan stay permanent, paying Benfica £30 million in the summer of 2019. A slow start to the season for Wolves wasn’t enough to keep Raúl off the score sheets. An improvement in form and a meteoric rise up the table was largely inspired by the club’s number 9. Successes in Europe and monumental league victories would’ve been largely impossible without the Mexican Sensation leading the line. Memorable goals against high flying opposition such as Manchester City and Tottenham helped fire Wolves to consecutive 7th place finishes, a feat not easily accomplished. Recognition as one of the world’s finest strikers followed, having outscored players such as Sergio Agüero in the league. An instrumental component of the Wolves team, Raúl surely fired his way to being the Player of the season in 2019/20.
Honourable Mention: Diogo Jota (34 Appearances, 7 Goals)
2020/21: Pedro Neto (31 Appearances, 5 Goals)
Possibly Wolves’ most under-the-radar signing coming into the 2019/20 season, Pedro Neto flourished in 2020/21 out wide for Wolves. Having signed from Lazio alongside Bruno Jordao, expectations were kept reasonable for the forward. However, in the absence of Raúl Jiménez, Neto’s quick feet and staggering agility provided Wolves’ biggest forward asset. Chipping in with 11 goal involvements, the Portuguese youngster established himself as a key figure for Wolves. Linking up well with the likes of Daniel Podence and Adama Traore, the pacy trio were notable highlights going forward for an otherwise toothless team. Picking up two end of season awards, including player of the season, Neto was the clear standout for Wanderers in a forgettable season marred by COVID restrictions and horrific injuries.
Honourable Mention: Rúben Neves (36 Appearances, 5 Goals)
2021/22: Jose Sa (37 Appearances, 11 Clean sheets)
Rui Patrício’s Wolves departure in the summer of 2021 left massive shoes to fill in the goalkeeping department. Signed from Olympiacos, Jose Sa adapted quickly to the pressure of the Premier League. Under new manager Bruno Lage, Sa was an imposing figure at the back, offering security and assuring confidence into his defence. An impressive 11 clean sheets and countless top saves helped guide the team to a 10th place finish in the league. Sweeping the Supporters Player of the Season award and being in the running for the league’s best goalkeeper, Sa’s stability in net earned him the right to be Wolves player of the season in 2021/22.
Honourable Mention: Rúben Neves (33 Appearances, 4 Goals)
2022/23: Rúben Neves (35 Appearances, 6 Goals)
Following the sudden departure of club captain Conor Coady, star man Rúben Neves was awarded the honour of becoming captain heading into the 2022/23 season. The accomplished midfielder stood out clearly as the best player in the squad, managing consistency both in and out of his natural position across the course of the campaign. Under three managers, he maintained the captain’s armband alongside Mario Lemina. Leading by example, Rúben notched an impressive six goals in the league, tying with Daniel Podence for the club’s top scorer. Notably, Neves added a third to pile the misery on a sorry Liverpool team at Molineux in February. Despite a less than stellar season for the team, Neves left the club in the summer, having been far and away the club’s best performer.
Honourable Mention: Daniel Podence (32 Appearances, 6 Goals)
2023/24: Matheus Cunha (32 Appearances, 12 Goals)
Goalless in 11 games for Atletico Madrid in 2022, Cunha joined Wolves for a record shattering £44 million. Following a disappointing six month spell in the latter half of the previous season, Cunha’s form exploded into life during 2023/24. The Brazilian totalled an impressive 12 goals while leading the line. Playing alongside Hwang Hee Chan, Cunha’s flair and skilful attacking style allowed him to prosper compared to his poacher-like partner. Smashing home in a historic Black Country Derby win at the Hawthorns, Cunha provided Wolves their first win over the Baggies since 2011. Shining under Gary O’Neil and displaying his undeniable talent to the League, Cunha became renowned as Wolves’ best player.
Honourable Mention: Hwang Hee Chan (29 Appearances, 12 Goals)
2024/25: Jørgen Strand Larsen (35 Appearances, 14 Goals)
Leaving Celta Vigo for Wolves in the summer of 2024, Jørgen quickly became accustomed to life in England. Within his first month, Strand Larsen slotted home against Chelsea to open his account for the club. Towering over defences at 6’4, Jørgen embarked on a run of three consecutive goals, which saw him earn a player of the month nomination. The Norwegian international embarked on this form in April alongside a massive six consecutive wins for Vitor Pereira’s side. Feeding off the service of Matheus Cunha, Rodrigo Gomes and Rayan Aït Nouri, he notched 14 Goals for Wolves in the league. This broke the record of Raúl Jiménez’ 13 goals in his debut season. With form leading to lucrative bids from Newcastle and a record breaker of a season, Strand Larsen occupies top spot for 2024/25.
Honourable Mention: Matheus Cunha (33 Appearances, 15 Goals)
