In our Transfers that shook the club feature, Football Transfer Tavern takes a look at deals that had many may not have seen coming and the impact that they had during their time by using statistical data and pundit remarks.
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo back in May 2017 was a bold move given that he had pedigree with European names like Valencia CF and FC Porto, and then decided to take on the job of managing the Midlands club in the EFL Championship.
In the 2016/17 season prior to his switch, the 46-year old guided Porto to second in the Primeira Liga, just six points off of Benfica. Nuno also took Porto through the UEFA Champions League group stages before eventually losing out 3-0 on aggregate to Italian giants Juventus, according to Transfermarkt.
To make the drop from Champions League to Championship football could have easily affected him, but the Portuguese manager did not seem fazed as he made sure that Wolves gained promotion in his debut campaign, finishing as champions on a rather impressive 99 points, nine clear of their nearest challengers, as per Sports Mole.
Upon his arrival, director Jeff Shi lauded him, claiming that he ‘was impressed by his football tactics’ (via BBC). Indeed, Nuno did not disappoint him in his first term, and went on to achieve arguably bigger things in the Premier League. WWFC finished in a highly commendable 7th place on 57 points having just come up, and qualified for the UEFA Europa League the following season due to their league position.
Still in European competition and going one better by staying in 6th position so far in the top flight table this campaign, the Molineux outfit could perhaps qualify for the Champions League, which would put the icing on Nuno’s cake.
Is Nuno the greatest manager Wolves have ever had?
Yes
No
It was a bold move to appoint him, but he has definitely shook Wolves for the better.
Wanderers, can you can qualify for the Champions League under Nuno? Comment below!
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