Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi has explained how the sale of Diogo Jota to Liverpool was the 'best deal' his club have made under the Fosun’s ownership.
Liverpool completed the signing of the Portugal forward in a £41m deal, that could rise to £45m with add-ons, back in September.
The move represented a net outlay of about £30m for the Reds, with defender Ki-Jana Hoever moving the other way for £9m and a possible £4.5m in add-ons.
Jota arrived at Anfield having been a mainstay in Wolves’ starting line-up for the last three seasons since his arrival from Atletico Madrid.
The 24-year-old helped the Molineux club to the Championship title and two successive seventh-placed finishes in the Premier League under Nuno Espirito Santo.
And although Jota has spent time on the sidelines through injury, he still managed to score 13 times in 30 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season.
“It’s not about business. For every season, even the head coach, we need to do some refreshment,” Shi said via Birmingham Live when explaining the decision.
"You always need some new blood. The Premier League is changing very fast and with the same squad you cannot handle everything. You can see the result, like Sheffield United.
“From a sporting and technical view we need to change every season. And sometimes a player needs to change having been in a city for four or five years.
“If Diogo stays here, I don’t think he can perform at the same level that he is at Liverpool because it’s a new environment with different teammates. That can spur him to do better.
“If it’s to his own benefit, sometimes we have to change. Also if we can sell a player and get some profit in, then we can use the money to buy (players in) some other positions we need more.
“For the deal of Diogo Jota, I think it’s the best deal of the five years because it’s benefiting all three parties - the player, the buying club, the selling club.”
While Wolves club secretary Matt Wild added on the deal: “I personally think we’ve made some real value in the players that 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 profit
“Ruben’s value has gone up, Neto’s has gone up, Raul Jimenez now. Why would we not continue to have a relationship with them (Gestifute)? I don’t think they’re charging any more.”
