Wolves are in a critical phase of their season as they battle to escape the Premier League relegation zone. After a heavy 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday night, the Old Gold find themselves level on points with the bottom three and in desperate need of a turnaround. Manager Vitor Pereira is facing mounting pressure, not only to secure results on the pitch but also to oversee a productive January transfer window that could help salvage the campaign.
This weekend, Wolves will shift their focus to the FA Cup, traveling to face Bristol City. The Robins, currently eighth in the Championship, have been in fine form, remaining unbeaten in six of their last seven games. For Wolves, the FA Cup could provide a welcome distraction from their league woes, with Pereira aiming to lead the team on a deep run after last year’s quarter-final appearance. However, the focus remains on strengthening the squad, and Wolves have been active in the transfer market, with several key stories emerging.
Wolves Confirm Emmanuel Agbadou Signing
Wolves made a significant move on Thursday by confirming the signing of Emmanuel Agbadou from Ligue 1 side Reims. The 27-year-old defender has signed a 4.5-year contract at Molineux for a reported fee of £15m. Agbadou is expected to be a key addition to a defence that has struggled significantly this season, conceding 45 goals in just 20 league matches—the worst record in the division.
Pereira expressed his delight at securing the Ivorian centre-back, who brings physicality, experience, and defensive solidity to the team. Agbadou could make his debut this weekend against Bristol City, where he will have the chance to showcase his abilities and help Wolves address their defensive frailties. Fans will hope that his arrival signals the beginning of an upturn in fortunes.
Luke Cundle Linked with Swansea City
As Wolves bring in reinforcements, some players are also expected to leave the club this month. One of those is 22-year-old midfielder Luke Cundle, who has yet to make an appearance this season and appears to be out of Pereira’s plans. Despite having a contract that runs until 2026, Cundle is attracting interest from several Championship clubs, with Swansea City emerging as the frontrunner.
Cundle previously spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Swansea, where he gained valuable first-team experience. A return to the Liberty Stadium could benefit both the player and Wolves, allowing him to continue his development while freeing up space in the squad for Pereira to bring in other reinforcements.
Japhet Tanganga Speculation
Despite confirming the signing of Agbadou, Wolves remain on the hunt for defensive reinforcements and have reportedly shown interest in Millwall’s Japhet Tanganga. The 25-year-old centre-back joined Millwall from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer and has impressed in the Championship, attracting the attention of Premier League clubs.
Millwall manager Alex Neil addressed the rumors in a press conference on Thursday, downplaying the speculation but refusing to rule out the possibility of Tanganga leaving. “I’m not going to say that to you [that he will be staying] and Japhet is going to leave tomorrow,” Neil said. “But I’m unaware of anything apart from probably paper talk surrounding Japhet.” While nothing concrete has materialized yet, Tanganga could be a viable option for Wolves as they look to bolster their defence.
Missed Targets: Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov
Wolves have faced setbacks in their pursuit of young defensive talent, missing out on two promising players to Manchester City. Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis, an 18-year-old prospect from Palmeiras, was reportedly a target for Wolves, but the teenager has instead agreed to join City in a £29m deal. Reis had also attracted interest from Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Brighton, making it a difficult race for Wolves to win.
In addition to Reis, Wolves also lost out on Abdukodir Khusanov, another defensive target who appears to be on the verge of joining Manchester City. These missed opportunities highlight the challenges Wolves face in competing with Europe’s elite clubs for emerging talent.
FA Cup: A Chance for Redemption
While Wolves continue their search for reinforcements, their immediate focus shifts to the FA Cup clash with Bristol City. The Championship side has been in impressive form, losing just one of their last seven matches and sitting comfortably in eighth place. Wolves will need to be at their best to secure a win and advance in the competition.
For Pereira, the FA Cup offers a chance to inspire confidence within the squad and among supporters. Last season, Wolves reached the quarter-finals of the competition, and another strong run could provide a morale boost as they fight to avoid relegation. The potential debut of Emmanuel Agbadou could add a layer of intrigue to the fixture, as fans eagerly anticipate seeing their new signing in action.
What’s Next for Wolves?
With the January transfer window in full swing, Wolves are expected to remain active in the market as Pereira looks to strengthen his squad for the battles ahead. The arrival of Agbadou is a step in the right direction, but further reinforcements are needed, particularly in defence and midfield. The potential departures of players like Luke Cundle could help facilitate additional signings.
As Wolves prepare for their FA Cup tie and continue their transfer business, fans will be hoping for a turnaround in form. The Premier League season is far from over, but time is running out for the Old Gold to climb out of danger. A successful transfer window and a morale-boosting cup run could be exactly what Wolves need to spark their revival.