Vitor Pereira finds himself in the midst of a challenging period as he navigates his first season at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite a solid initial start to his tenure, Wolves have faltered in their last two Premier League outings, suffering back-to-back 3-0 defeats at the hands of Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. These losses have not only exposed glaring weaknesses in the squad but also dragged the club back into the relegation zone, leaving Pereira with a monumental task to turn things around and ensure Wolves retain their Premier League status.
The defeat against Newcastle on Wednesday night was particularly disheartening. Wolves were not only outclassed tactically but also physically dominated, with key players struggling to impose themselves on the game. Hwang Hee-chan came under fire for a lackluster performance, but the most alarming revelation came after the match when Pereira disclosed that Mario Lemina had refused to play. The 31-year-old midfielder, reportedly agitating for a transfer, has now created a significant hole in the squad, leaving Pereira scrambling for reinforcements in an already challenging January transfer window.
Lemina’s actions have effectively ended his time at Molineux, and Wolves must now focus on finding a suitable replacement. This is a critical juncture for the club, as their midfield has been one of the most vulnerable areas, often overrun by opponents in recent matches. With Wolves struggling to compete in transition and unable to maintain control in the middle of the park, signing a quality midfielder is not just a priority—it is a necessity.
To address their defensive frailties, Wolves moved swiftly to secure their first January signing in Emmanuel Agbadou. The Ivorian center-back arrived with promise but was immediately thrown into the deep end, starting against Bristol City and then enduring a nervy Premier League debut against Newcastle. While Agbadou is expected to grow into the role and provide competition in defense, his early struggles highlight the need for further reinforcements. Wolves’ backline has lacked mobility and composure, issues that have been ruthlessly exploited by opponents.
Pereira, aware of these deficiencies, has openly stated his desire to bring in two more players during the January window. Speaking after the Newcastle defeat, the Portuguese manager said, “In my opinion, we need two more players. Let’s see if it’s possible, I will try my best.” These additions are expected to include a midfielder to replace Lemina and another center-back to bolster the defense. However, whether this will be enough to steer Wolves to safety remains to be seen.
One potential target who has emerged is Brighton and Hove Albion’s Adam Webster. The 30-year-old center-back has Premier League experience and has been described by Jamie Carragher as one of the best English ball-playing defenders. Despite featuring sparingly for Brighton this season, with just 104 league minutes under his belt, Webster’s composure in possession and defensive intelligence could make him an ideal fit for Pereira’s system. Wolves have struggled to build play from the back, and Webster’s ability to break lines with his passing could help address this issue.
Webster’s extensive Premier League experience, having made 128 appearances in the competition, adds to his appeal. He would provide leadership and reliability to a defense that has been shaky in recent weeks. If Wolves can strike a deal with Brighton, Webster could prove to be a key signing in their fight for survival.
Nevertheless, the challenges for Pereira extend beyond individual signings. Integrating new players mid-season is never easy, especially in a high-pressure environment where every point is vital. Wolves’ upcoming fixtures will also test the resilience of the squad, and Pereira will need to inspire a response from his existing players while waiting for reinforcements to settle in.
The situation at Wolves is undoubtedly precarious, but Pereira’s clear understanding of the team’s weaknesses offers hope. With the right additions and a renewed sense of determination, Wolves can still turn their season around. However, time is running out, and every decision in the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the Old Gold can retain their Premier League status.