Bruno Lage was apparently really important in keeping Adama Traore and Ruben Neves at Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer.
That is the claim from club chairman Jeff Shi, who has given a revealing interview with The Athletic.
While a lot of focus was on who Wolves might sign towards the end of the window, there were also plenty of nerves over the fates of Traore and Neves.
Both players have started the new season in fantastic form.
There had been lots of talk about both potentially moving on.
Tottenham Hotspur were particularly keen to land Traore, with reports certainly picking up after he starred against them in the recent 1-0 defeat.
And Manchester United apparently wanted Neves, but an offer was not forthcoming from the Red Devils.
According to Shi, Wolves fans may have Lage to thank that the pair are still are Molineux.
He said: “When it came to Neves and Traore… it might have happened (them being sold) without the efforts of Bruno.
“He’s done a great job to improve them, so after the clear improvement we can see the story will be different, they look like they’re enjoying their football.”
Neves did praise Lage during pre-season, and it has also been reported Traore is currently enjoying life under Lage.
Players curious about journey under Lage
Clearly the new manager has made a really big impression on the players at Molineux.
Their admiration for him is being reflected in their performances.
Wolves may be yet to win in the Premier League, but Neves and Traore have been two of the standouts.
Maybe one or both will ultimately leave in one of the next two windows.
But at least they’re currently willing to see how life under Lage will turn out.