‘Best deal’ – Wolves chief Jeff Shi requests surprise transfer from Diogo Jota to Liverpool
Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi has explained how Diogo Jota’s sale to Liverpool was the “ best deal ” his club have made under Fosun ownership.
Liverpool completed the signing of the Portuguese striker in a £ 41million deal, which could reach £ 45million with add-ons, in September.
The move represented a net expense of around £ 30million for the Reds, with defender Ki-Jana Hoever moving the other way for £ 9million and a possible £ 4.5million more.
Jota arrived at Anfield after being a mainstay of Wolves’ starting lineup for the past three seasons since arriving from Atletico Madrid.
The 24-year-old helped club Molineux win the league title and two consecutive seventh places in the Premier League under Nuno Espirito Santo.
And although Jota has spent time on the sidelines due to injury, he still managed to score 13 times in 30 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season.
“It’s not a business issue. For every season, even the head coach, we have to freshen up, â€Shi said via Birmingham Live when explaining the decision.
“You always need new blood. The Premier League changes really fast and with the same team you can’t handle everything. You can see the result, like Sheffield United.
“From a sporting and technical point of view, we have to change every season. And sometimes a player needs a change after living in a city for four or five years.
“If Diogo stays here, I don’t think he can perform at the same level as Liverpool because it’s a new environment with different teammates. It can encourage him to do better.
“If it’s to his advantage, sometimes we have to change. Also, if we can sell a player and get a profit, we can use that money to buy (players) other positions that we need more of.
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“For Diogo Jota’s agreement, I think it’s the best of five years because it benefits all three parties – the player, the buying club, the selling club.”
As Wolves club secretary Matt Wild added of the deal, “Personally, I think we’ve brought real value to the players we’ve brought in – Jota, Neves, (Pedro) Neto.
“The proof is in the pudding with Diogo, he’s gone to Liverpool and we’re probably making £ 30million in profit.
“Ruben’s value has increased, Neto’s has increased, Raul Jimenez now. Why wouldn’t we continue to have a relationship with them (Gestifute)? I don’t think they charge more. “