Many great players have graced Molineux since Fosun acquired the club back in the summer of 2016.
The Chinese investment group have been strongly criticised in recent times for the way they have run the club – and a lot of that criticism has been warranted, with Wolves having stagnated.
Wolves were in Europe only a few years ago and are now a million miles away from that.
Over the last couple of years, Wolves have been looking over their shoulder – and fans have been extremely frustrated during this period.
At the moment, Wolves find themselves in a relegation battle just as they did two years ago.
The club have just signed Emmanuel Agbadou, who fans hope will play a big part in helping guide Wolves away from danger. It has certainly been a solid start from Agbadou, who’s won the Player of the Month award for January.
Hopefully, he can have a similar impact to that of Craig Dawson, a player who looks like he could be about to leave.
Craig Dawson was one of Fosun’s most important signings for Wolves
On January 22, Wolves completed a move for Craig Dawson from West Ham United, with the club reportedly paying just over £3 million (BBC Sport).
Wolves had actually wanted Dawson in the summer of 2022, but West Ham couldn’t sign Jan Bednarek from Southampton.
Wolves got their man eventually, but would Dawson really be that good of a signing?
The reaction of some West Ham fans to Dawson’s departure said it all. They knew how good he was, and it did not take long for fans to realise this.
Wolves had been a shambles at the back-up until his arrival, but Dawson came in and settled into the backline – and results soon started to pick up.
Wolves became much more resolute at the back under Julen Lopetegui, and Dawson was a commanding presence who even improved those around him – especially Max Kilman, who even admitted Dawson helped him through a game against Liverpool. That was Dawson’s Wolves debut.
Dawson’s contributions to Wolves’ survival mission were plentiful, and without him – and also Mario Lemina – relegation could have been a genuine possibility.
Dawson was also a key player for Gary O’Neil in his first season, making 28 appearances.
But in the second half of that season, Dawson’s decline started, with injuries ruling him out of the last two months of the campaign.
Dawson has only made a handful of appearances this term due to more fitness issues, and now it appears his time at Molineux could come to an end.
Dawson in talks to rip up contract at Wolves
It’s been claimed Wolves have been in talks to rip up Dawson’s contract, allowing him to become a free agent.
Pereira has admitted Dawson isn’t a player he’ll be counting on due to the profile he has.
Dawson cannot join another English club if he does become a free agent due to being registered in Wolves’ squad before the transfer window shut last Monday.
But he could still go to a club abroad – and if Dawson does leave then fans ought to give him a great reception.
Without him, it’s possible Wolves would be in the Championship right now, and his signing – for just £3 million – is one of the most important the owners have made.
It is fair to see Dawson isn’t a player Wolves particularly need now. But certainly, in terms of value-for-money, important signings, he is right up there as one of the best Wolves have made.