Wolves have made their first signing of the January transfer window, signaling their intent to strengthen their squad under new manager Vitor Pereira. The club confirmed the arrival of 27-year-old Emmanuel Agbadou from Ligue 1 side Reims for £15m. Agbadou, a powerful central defender known for his impressive physical attributes and ball-playing abilities, has signed a 4.5-year contract at Molineux, making him the first player to join the club during the Vitor Pereira era.
Pereira has been quick to outline why Agbadou will be a great fit for the Premier League, citing his size and power as key attributes that will give him the physicality needed to compete at the highest level. In addition to these qualities, Pereira highlighted Agbadou’s ability on the ball, something he values highly in his defenders. The new signing’s arrival is seen as a significant step in Pereira’s plans to improve Wolves’ squad, especially as the team battles to avoid relegation this season.
With Agbadou now officially on board, the focus is expected to shift to additional signings, with Wolves looking to strengthen further in the coming weeks. One name that has emerged as a potential target is Renato Veiga, the talented 21-year-old Portuguese defender currently on Chelsea’s books. Veiga, who was signed by Chelsea from FC Basel for £12m last summer, has impressed in the Europa Conference League but has struggled to secure a place in Chelsea’s Premier League starting lineup. This has led to speculation that Wolves could look to offer the young defender more regular playing time, making him a potential signing this month.
Veiga’s versatility is one of the key reasons why he is being considered by Wolves. While he has primarily featured as a centre-back, he is also capable of playing as a left-back and in central midfield. However, his best role appears to be as a left centre-back, a position that could place him in direct competition with Toti Gomes, who has also been playing in the same position under Pereira. With Toti currently sidelined due to injury and expected to miss Wolves’ upcoming match against Bristol City, the potential signing of Veiga could put his place in the team at risk.
When comparing the two players’ recent performances, it becomes clear why Wolves are pursuing Veiga. Pereira values defenders who are comfortable with the ball at their feet, and Veiga outperforms Gomes in nearly every statistical category. Veiga’s ability to contribute to both defensive and offensive phases of play, along with his composure in possession, makes him a desirable option for the Wolves manager. His ability to play in multiple positions also adds to his appeal, as it provides tactical flexibility and depth to the squad.
Veiga has been praised for his strength by Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, which adds further weight to his potential as a Premier League defender. His combination of physicality and technical ability makes him a promising addition for Wolves, who are in need of reinforcements to secure their Premier League status. With the club’s focus shifting towards bolstering the defense, the arrival of Veiga could be a major step in Pereira’s bid to improve the team’s overall quality and address the challenges of the current campaign.
As the transfer window progresses, Wolves will likely continue to target players who can strengthen their squad and help them climb away from the relegation zone. Agbadou’s arrival is just the beginning, and with the potential signing of Renato Veiga, Wolves are signaling their ambition to make significant moves in the market this January. The competition for starting spots in defense is set to intensify, and both Agbadou and Veiga could play key roles in shaping the team’s future under Pereira.