Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MARSHALL MUNETSI is highly unlikely to return to second-tier football in England following Wolverhampton Wanderers’ demotion from the Premiership this week.
Munetsi is currently on loan to French Ligue 1 side FC Paris.
His countryman Tawanda Chirewa is also on loan from Wolves to Barnsley.
It has, however, emerged that versatile player Munetsi has indicated that he is unwilling to return to England to play Championship football.
He is not listed among players who have expressed eagerness to go down with Wolves to the Championship.
According to Molineux.news, at least nine players are said to be interested in sticking around and helping fight for promotion back into the Premiership.
These include Yerson Mosquera, Santiago Bueno, Ladislav Krejci, Toti Gomes, Hugo Bueno, Pedro Lima, Rodrigo Gomes, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Mateus Mane.
Although Munetsi has been on loan with Paris FC in the French Ligue 1 for this second half of the season where he is doing a good job, helping the team survive relegation, his future at Wolves is also being dis-cussed at a time when the Premier League side have to adjust and reduce the wage bill.
“Undoubtedly, there will be an exodus of players. Some of whom fans will be glad to see the back of,” the publication said.
“But Wolves do want several to stick around, and a report has shared the names of said players.
“Andre and Joao Gomes are practically certain to leave, and then there are players like Jose Sa and Tolu Arokodare, who’s just been fined by the club after an altercation with Mateus Mane.”
The reports come at a time when it has already been speculated that Paris FC will be interested in buying Munetsi after a splendid performance which also saw him being voted Player of The Month last week.
Munetsi has not opened up on his future, and efforts to get his side of the story has been fruitless in the past days.
But it is believed his family is comfortable living in Paris, with his kids having been born there. That he made his break at Stade de Reims when they were still in Ligue 1, making a massive impression before being sold to Wolves, has made him a powerhouse in the French Ligue 1.
“Chances are even if Paris are unsuccessful in negotiating with him, he will still find suitors within Ligue 1.
“His impact in the past weeks have been clear, and for him to get a starting place coming mid-season here, shows he’s special,” said a source close to the developments.
Munetsi joined Wolves at the beginning of 2025 for a deal worth around £16 million (US$21.6 million), making him the most expensive Zimbabwean player ever.
He had an immediate impact under manager Vitor Preira as they successfully fought relegation.
The first half of the 2025/26 season, however, turned out to be bad for both the manager and his favourite player, Munetsi.
Pereira was sacked, following the player’s current loan deal under manager Rob Edwards who had frozen out the Zimbabwean.
The big question is, will Wolves be able to recoup their £16 million and if they do, what will be the next destination for the player?
This is against the background that Wolves made a loss of £15.3m (US$20.6 million) for last season, and the situation could get worse when the next financials come out.
“The figures for 2024-25 showed lower earnings for the side from their finish in the Premier League as they battled relegation, reduced income from TV and rising wage costs,” BBC Sport reported.
