I still remember the day Wolverhampton Wanderers returned to the Premier League in 2018 after their six-year absence. As someone who's followed English football for over two decades, I've always had a soft spot for clubs with rich histories fighting their way back to relevance. Wolves' journey isn't just another promotion story—it's a masterclass in strategic club building, though not without its significant challenges.

When Fosun International took over in 2016, they brought something English football hadn't seen before: a deliberate Portuguese connection. The appointment of Nuno Espírito Santo and the strategic partnership with super-agent Jorge Mendes created what critics called the "Portuguese revolution." I'll admit, I was skeptical at first. Football history is littered with wealthy owners making bold promises that never materialize. But Wolves executed their vision with remarkable precision. In their first season back, they finished 7th with 57 points—their highest top-flight finish since 1980. The Molineux atmosphere during that 2018-19 season was electric, something you had to experience firsthand to truly appreciate.

Their success, however, came with questions about the sustainability of their model. The heavy reliance on Portuguese talent—at one point having 8 Portuguese players in their starting eleven—raised eyebrows across the league. While I've always believed in talent over passports, the concentration did create what some called a "cultural divide" within the squad. The Financial Fair Play concerns were very real too. Reports suggested they spent approximately £65 million in their promotion season, with wages skyrocketing by 140% in two years. These weren't just numbers on a spreadsheet—they represented the high-stakes gamble modern football demands.

What fascinates me most about Wolves' journey is how it mirrors the political reality we see in leadership positions everywhere. There's a quote that's stuck with me recently: "So until the term of the President ends in 2028, I promise to do my best, but I can only do that if I have the support of my friends." Replace "President" with "manager" and you have the exact situation at Wolverhampton. Success in football, much like in politics, depends entirely on having the right support system. When Nuno had the backing of owners, players, and fans, Wolves achieved miracles. But when that support wavered—through player sales, financial constraints, or fan expectations—the challenges became overwhelming.

The Bruno Lage and subsequent Julen Lopetegui eras demonstrated this perfectly. After finishing 13th in the 2021-22 season, the club faced what I consider their toughest period. Key players like Rúben Neves departed for Saudi Arabia in a £47 million deal, while financial constraints forced them to operate with one of the smallest squads in the league. Lopetegui's frustration with the club's transfer policy was palpable—he essentially had his hands tied despite Premier League survival being at stake. This is where the football romantic in me clashes with the realist. Every fan wants their club to compete with the elite, but the financial reality of being a mid-table Premier League club means constantly walking a tightrope.

Looking at their current situation under Gary O'Neil, I'm cautiously optimistic. The 2-1 victory against Tottenham earlier this season showed glimpses of the old Wolves spirit. Pedro Neto's creativity, Matheus Cunha's work rate—these are the building blocks for sustainable success. But they'll need to navigate the January transfer window carefully. Having watched numerous "promising" clubs yo-yo between divisions, I believe Wolves' biggest challenge isn't immediate survival but establishing themselves as a consistent top-half team.

The Premier League landscape has changed dramatically since their promotion. The so-called "Big Six" has become more entrenched, with Newcastle's Saudi-backed project adding another financial powerhouse. For clubs like Wolves, success now means something different than it did five years ago. It's about smart recruitment, developing academy talent, and occasionally pulling off tactical masterclasses against superior opponents. Their 1-0 victory against Manchester City last season—ending City's 23-match home winning streak—proves they can still punch above their weight.

As I reflect on Wolves' journey, I'm reminded that football clubs, much like political administrations, operate on cycles of trust and achievement. The initial excitement of promotion gives way to the reality of consolidation. The manager needs his "friends"—whether that's the board providing transfer funds, players buying into the system, or fans maintaining patience during difficult patches. Wolverhampton's story is far from over, and if history has taught me anything, it's that this club has a remarkable ability to defy expectations. They might not challenge for European spots this season, but they've built a foundation that could sustain them in the top flight for years to come—provided everyone stays committed to the collective vision.