There is no getting away from it – Wolves have had an awful transfer window, and one that finished in extremely underwhelming fashion.
It was always going to be a huge summer for the club.
The departure of Matheus Cunha was expected, but then many others followed the Brazilian out of Molineux.
And in terms of the incomings, Wolves have brought in only players from overseas, with nobody proven in the Premier League.
The final signing was Tolu Arokodare, with Wolves failing to land a new midfielder – something Vitor Pereira was particularly keen on.
It’s safe to say fans are feeling very worried about the rest of the season. But despite such a terrible end to the summer window, Wolves at least did get one thing right.
Keeping Jorgen Strand Larsen gives Wolves a fighting chance
There’s been an exodus at Wolves, but Jorgen Strand Larsen was one player who didn’t end up leaving.
Newcastle United pursued Strand Larsen quite intensely at the end of the window, making two bids worth £55 million and £60 million.
But Wolves were firm over their number nine.
They did not want to negotiate, and fans even praised Jeff Shi for being steadfast over Strand Larsen amid the pursuit by Newcastle.
Jorge Mendes turned villain by encouraging Newcastle over Strand Larsen, and the influence of the agent could well have led to his exit.
But it didn’t, and Wolves have kept him – and it’s a move that gives the club some hope.
We saw on Tuesday night how important Strand Larsen now is to this team. His two goals against West Ham United in the Carabao Cup were superbly taken.
He got 14 in the Premier League last term, and none of those were penalties.
Wolves have had a shambolic summer, but the decision to stand so firm over Strand Larsen does at least give Wanderers a shred of hope going forward.
Wolves must keep Strand Larsen fit and firing
After losing so many game-changing and creative players, it was paramount that Wolves kept hold of their biggest goal threat.
And now Wanderers must ensure Strand Larsen is managed carefully.
He must stay fit, and Wolves must also ensure that he is supported in the final third.
Players like Jhon Arias, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Marshall Munetsi and new signing Arokodare – if he plays with him – all have a duty to help him thrive.