Vítor Pereira has wasted no time in making big decisions since taking over as Wolves manager in December. His handling of senior players like Mario Lemina and Craig Dawson shows that he’s not afraid to be ruthless if he believes it will benefit the team in the long run. These moves have already sparked debate among Wolves fans, but there’s no doubt that Pereira is determined to reshape the squad in his vision.

Lemina’s Exit: A Sign of Authority

One of Pereira’s first major decisions was to deal with Mario Lemina’s situation after the midfielder refused to play against Newcastle. Instead of attempting to reintegrate the Gabon international, Pereira made it clear there was no way back for him. Wolves quickly moved to offload Lemina, securing a £2.5 million transfer to Galatasaray.

This was a move that many Wolves fans welcomed. While Lemina had been an important player under Gary O’Neil and Julen Lopetegui, his decision to refuse to play left Pereira with little choice. A manager needs players who are fully committed, and once Lemina showed he wasn’t willing to put the team first, his departure became inevitable. The fact that Wolves were able to get a fee for him rather than letting the situation drag on was a smart piece of business.

Craig Dawson Banished: End of an Era

While Lemina’s exit was swift and relatively undisputed, Pereira’s handling of Craig Dawson is more controversial. The 34-year-old centre-back was a key player under both Lopetegui and O’Neil, playing a major role in helping Wolves survive the 2022/23 season after arriving from West Ham for just £3 million. His leadership, defensive solidity, and experience made him a fan favorite, and many expected him to continue playing an important role this season.

However, Pereira has made it clear that Dawson is not part of his plans. The defender was left out of Wolves’ Premier League squad for the second half of the season, alongside long-term absentees Sasa Kalajdzic and Yerson Mosquera. It was reported last week that Wolves were in talks to terminate Dawson’s contract early, rather than allowing him to see out his deal until the summer. Now, Pereira has gone one step further by banishing Dawson from first-team training altogether.

Speaking to the Express & Star, Pereira confirmed that he has had no further contact with Dawson since their initial conversation about his future.

“I had the conversation (with him) before and after that I haven’t seen him again. What I have to say about Craig, I said before,” Pereira stated.

“He’s not part of the group and now it’s something between him and the club.”

This marks a sad end to Dawson’s time at Wolves. While his performances had declined slightly this season, few expected him to be frozen out so abruptly. Some supporters feel that he deserves a more dignified exit given his contributions to the club. However, from Pereira’s perspective, he is focused on the future, and if Dawson wasn’t going to play, keeping him in the squad could have been an unnecessary distraction.

Wolves’ Defensive Rebuild: Agbadou and Djiga Impress

One of the main reasons Pereira has been able to move on from Dawson is the defensive reinforcements Wolves secured in the transfer window. The club spent £16.6 million to sign Emmanuel Agbadou, who has already won a Player of the Month award and looks like an outstanding addition. Nasser Djiga, another January signing from Red Star Belgrade, also appears to be a promising long-term option in central defense.

These two signings signal a shift in Wolves’ approach. Instead of relying on aging defenders like Dawson, the club is investing in younger, more dynamic players who can form the backbone of the team for years to come. Agbadou, in particular, has made an instant impact, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could prove to be one of Wolves’ best signings in recent years.

A New Era Under Vítor Pereira

Pereira’s decisions have been bold, but they reflect a clear strategy. Wolves are moving away from relying on experienced but aging players and instead focusing on fresh talent. While this approach comes with risks, it also offers the potential for long-term success.

The immediate priority remains Premier League survival, and if Agbadou and Djiga can provide stability at the back, Wolves will be in a much stronger position to achieve that goal. Meanwhile, the departures of Lemina and Dawson clear the way for a new era under Pereira, one in which only the most committed and capable players will be part of the squad.

Whether his methods will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Vítor Pereira is not afraid to make tough calls. If his new defensive recruits can deliver, Wolves could be setting themselves up for a brighter future. However, if results don’t improve, these ruthless decisions may come back to haunt him.