Category: Wolverhampton

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have appointed former Gil Vicente head coach Cesar Peixoto ahead of the 2026/2027 season, and that could be a game-changer for Tolu Arokodare, Afrik Foot reports.

The 46-year-old replaces Rob Edwards at the Molineux dugout after the Welsh coach was unable to save the Old Gold from relegation to the EFL Championship.

The announcement was made via the club’s official website as Peixoto joined on a two-year deal, subject to a work permit.

Cesar Peixoto seen during the Liga Portugal game between Sporting CP and Gil Vicente. Copyright: ImagoxMaciejxRogowskix

César Peixoto’s words after joining Wolves

Gil Vicente finished 6th in Liga Portugal last season under the Portuguese tactician, but he was delighted to make the big move to the United Kingdom when the three-time Premier League Champions came calling.

“I’m proud to be here at this big, historic club in England. It’s a big opportunity for me and I’m prepared to do everything to put Wolves where it belongs in the Premier League,” the one-time UEFA Champions League winner said after joining Wolves.

“We have great players, but I think the team can improve a lot with me and I can improve as a technical head coach. I want to put my identity onto the team, build a strong identity at the club and also help the team to grow by showing my identity and my way of playing.

“I want the supporters to be proud of our players, be proud of the way we play and the way we fight game after game to bring the victory, and to achieve the main aim, which is to put Wolves back in the Premier League,” Peixoto concluded.

Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tolu Arokodare Copyright: ImagoxManjitxNarotra

Can Peixoto change Tolu Arokodare’s fate at Wolves?

Arokodare struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter despite his profile fitting the traditional Premier League mould: tall, physical, and capable of occupying defenders.

However, Wolves’ tactical inconsistency last season meant he was often isolated and forced into battles with little support.

Peixoto could change that. The Portuguese tactician has built a reputation for favouring systems that maximise his striker’s strengths. His teams typically rely on what Nigerians would typically refer to as cross-and-nod.

That suits Arokodare. At 6ft 6in, the Nigerian thrives when service is direct and consistent. In the Championship, where physical duels and aerial dominance remain crucial, that profile becomes even more valuable.

Will Hughes of Crystal Palace and Tolu Arokodare of Wolverhampton Wanderers. Copyright: ImagoxMIxNewsx

Still, there’s a pending note on the former KRC Genk striker. His clash with Matheus Mané didn’t help his reputation at the club.

While such incidents are not uncommon, the timing didn’t help as Wolves were struggling to hold on to any form of hope that would guarantee a stay in the English top-flight.

The financial situation of the club further complicates things. Championship football means reduced revenues, tighter wage structures, and inevitable squad reshuffles.

Players with solid market values suddenly become assets for the club to part ways with and make an income to stay afloat.

Wolves players at full-time of the Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at Molineux. Photo by IMAGO

With interest from Turkish clubs looming, a move away from Molineux might be best for all parties.

Wolverhampton Wanderers starlet Mateus Mane is reportedly attracting interest from at least three clubs, including Newcastle United.The relegated Premier League club are currently focused on finalising the appointment of Gil Vicente’s Cesar Peixoto as their new head coach.Previous boss Rob Edwards, who was sacked on Thursday, had previously stressed that the 18-year-old would be remaining at Molineux.

According to the Express & Star, there is confidence behind the scenes that Mane will remain with the Championship team for 2026-27.Nevertheless, the same report claims that there are at least a trio of clubs who are monitoring the situation.© Imago / Every Second MediaWhich clubs are interested in Mateus Mane?Newcastle are now said to be interested in trying to negotiate a deal for the Portugal Under-21 international.Despite the disappointment of Wolves’ relegation, Mane enjoyed a breakthrough 2025-26 where he made 27 appearances in the Premier League.Three goals and two assists came from 1,790 minutes of top-flight football, while the level of his performances only served to put himself on the radar of bigger clubs.

The latest report alleges that Bundesliga duo Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt are also keen on the playmaker.Dortmund, who are known for handing regular opportunities to young players with potential, finished in second place in last season’s Bundesliga.Manchester United and Liverpool were also credited as admirers of Mane earlier this year.© Imago / Action PlusWhat is Mateus Mane’s asking price?At this point in time, it remains unclear what it would take for Wolves to change their stance on Mane.Although they are about to miss out on Premier League revenue for the first time in nine years, there is scope to generate funds through other routes.With Mane on a long-term contract, it is unrealistic to expect Wolves to consider any proposals that are worth £30m or lower.

Liverpool is closing in on a pair of academy signings that won’t move the needle on any transfer fee tracker but could quietly reshape the club’s talent pipeline for years. The targets: Josh Chigwada from Everton and Zach Trinder from Wolverhampton Wanderers, both 14 years old, both already capped at England youth level.
Who are Chigwada and Trinder?
Josh Chigwada, born September 4, 2011, plays as an attacking midfielder and winger. He’s been on Everton’s books long enough to break into their U18 setup at just 14, making his U18 Premier League debut at an age when most kids are still figuring out algebra. He’s also already pulled on an England shirt at the U15 level.

Zach Trinder, also born in 2011, is a goalkeeper from Wolves’ academy. He made his Premier League 2 debut at 14 years and 72 days old. For context, Premier League 2 is the reserve league where clubs field their U21 squads, often supplemented with senior players returning from injury. Like Chigwada, Trinder has represented England at the U15 international level.
Why Liverpool, and why now?
Reports from early June 2026 suggest that Liverpool is on the verge of finalizing a deal for Trinder, with similar rumors surfacing regarding Chigwada.
Poaching from Everton carries its own particular flavor, of course. Cross-city academy raids are not uncommon in English football, but they do tend to generate friction. Liverpool swooping in for one of Everton’s most promising teenagers is the kind of move that gets mentioned in derby week press conferences for years.
What this means for the broader market
There are no financial details attached to either deal. Academy transfers for players this young rarely involve the kind of fees that show up on balance sheets in meaningful ways. Compensation between clubs for underage players in England is governed by tribunal and training compensation rules rather than open-market bidding wars.
For Everton and Wolves, the losses are harder to quantify but still meaningful. Academy development is a long game, and clubs invest years of coaching, resources, and attention into players before they reach an age where they can sign professional contracts. Losing a prospect at 14, before any of that investment can be recouped through first-team contributions or a sale, is the worst-case scenario for any development program.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have long been a club capable of shrewd business in the transfer market, and their summer windows often define the shape of their seasons ahead.

The club’s recruitment strategy has historically relied on smart scouting networks, particularly through connections in Portugal and across continental Europe that have yielded significant talent over the years.

Wolves have frequently turned to agents and intermediaries with strong links to the Portuguese football ecosystem, bringing players to Molineux who might otherwise have gone unnoticed by Premier League rivals.

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A well-constructed summer window can shift the entire dynamic of a squad, addressing weaknesses while adding depth and quality to areas that previously caused concern for the manager and coaching staff.

Wolverhampton’s fanbase has grown accustomed to watching unfamiliar names arrive and quickly establish themselves as key contributors, which speaks to the quality of the club’s recruitment process over time.

The summer window represents the most significant opportunity for any club to reshape its identity, and Wolves have historically embraced that opportunity with genuine ambition and clear direction.

Building a competitive Premier League squad demands investment not only in headline signings but also in the supporting cast of players who provide balance, versatility, and competition for places throughout the team.

Squad depth has become increasingly critical in the modern game, with fixture congestion across domestic and European competitions demanding that managers rotate regularly without losing significant quality on the pitch.

Wolves have understood that a transformative window is not simply about spending the most money, but about identifying the right profiles to fit a specific tactical system and club philosophy.

For supporters at Molineux, the promise of a well-executed transfer window brings genuine optimism heading into a new campaign, with the belief that the right additions can push the club toward its ambitions.

Activities for unpaid carers, and the people they look after, will take place in Wolverhampton during Carers Week.Events starting on Monday include an information and advice session for young carers approaching adulthood, taking place on Friday.Experts from the Manby Bowdler law firm would also be hosting a Lasting Power of Attorney session on Wednesday, the council said.It added the authority “offers a range of assistance to people of any age who care for a friend, relative or neighbour, ensuring they are supported in their caring role, and have access to the services they need”.The council provides information and advice “on a range of matters including benefits” and offers other services including training “in essential skills such as first aid”.There is a pub lunch event on Thursday, which will give carers the chance to connect with others who share similar experiences, is among the activities this week.On Tuesday, there will be a Tea and Chat session with the mayor of Wolverhampton, Paul Singh.The council said adult social care’s early support service and the University of Wolverhampton would be available to provide advice at the information event for young carers approaching adulthood on Friday.Cabinet member for children, young people and education Jacqui Coogan, said there were thousands of unpaid carers locally who look after those “who have a disability, a mental or physical illness, or simply need extra help as they grow older”.Carers Week was a chance for “us all to recognise and celebrate their incredible hard work, dedication, and compassion”, she added.The council said that people should not hesitate to get in touch.Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.More on this storyRelated internet links

Wolves made the shock announcement that they had sacked Rob Edwards on Thursday just days after confirming the arrival of defender Kieran Trippier at MolineuxKieran Trippier could cancel his agreement with Wolves following Edwards’ exit(Image: Getty Images)Kieran Trippier could rip up his contract with Wolves just days after signing for the club following the bizarre decision to sack Rob Edwards, it has been claimed.Wolves, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, confirmed that Edwards would be leaving the club on Thursday. The timing of the call has baffled fans with the 43-year-old playing a key role in recruitment, including the deal for Trippier, who was available on a Bosman transfer this summer following the expiry of his contract at Newcastle.But the deal could now be in jeopardy per The Times, who claim Trippier has been left angry by the decision to move Edwards on and is now ‘exploring his legal position’.The defender’s contract does not actually come into force until July 1, which means he could effectively back out of the agreement.JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football’s Facebook pageIt is also suggested that the former Newcastle man did not find out about Edwards’ departure through official club channels and instead found out via other means. Trippier had previously underlined Edwards’ presence when deciding to move to Molineux.He said: “I had a good chat with the manager, and what struck me first was how passionate he was for helping the club move forward to get out of the Championship next season. You just have a feeling straight away and I felt that chemistry straight away with the manager.“I’ll also be closer to my kids, which is the most important thing for me, but I’ve also played here many times with three different clubs, so I know exactly what the fans are all about. I’ve heard it’s a great environment with the players, so it was an easy decision.“I’ve been in this position loads of times in my career where I like a challenge. I did that when I signed for Newcastle, and I’m doing it here now at Wolves, and the aim is to help the lads on and off the pitch and try and be successful next season.”Rob Edwards was controversially sacked by Wolves on Thursday(Image: Getty Images)Wolves executive chairman Nathan Shi explained the decision to sack Edwards. He said: “This has been an extremely difficult decision. Following the end of the season, we undertook a thorough review of every aspect of the football operation. This process involved careful consideration of many factors and extensive reflection on what we believe is required to help the club progress over the coming years.“Our decision was not about character, professionalism or dedication. It was about determining what we believe gives Wolves the strongest opportunity to move forward from a sporting perspective.“While there were positive signs and areas of progress, we ultimately concluded that a different football direction would better align with the style, identity and level of competitiveness we want to establish at the club.“It would have been easier to continue with what was familiar. However, leadership is not about choosing the easiest path, but about making the difficult decisions we believe are right for the future of the football club which will put Wolves on the strongest platform to move forward.“Our ambition is to build a football club capable of achieving sustainable success. That requires clarity of vision, alignment throughout the football operation and the courage to make difficult decisions when we believe they are in the best interests of the club.”Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Mexico have kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a win over South Africa. The hosts eased to a win at the Mexico City Stadium, with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez.

The Wolverhampton star had the first shot of the match early, when he found himself in a lot of space just inside the box. He hit a powerful low shot, but Ronwen Williams did well to stop his effort.

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Bafana Bafana started the game slowly, trying to control the tempo, but committed too many errors at the back and couldn’t come back. The first error came from S’Miso Sithole, who was dispossessed at the edge of the box by Erik Lira. The South African was trying to control the ball that was sent his way by the goalkeeper, but could not do much before the Mexican was on his back.

The ball fell to Quinones, and he took his time before shooting straight into the goal. The ball went through the goalkeeper’s legs after the defenders blocked his view.
Quinones came close to doubling the lead just before halftime, but his shot came off the post, and the scoreline remained the same. Mexico and South Africa came close to scoring in the final minutes of the half, but neither could find the back of the net, and it remained 1-0 at halftime of the FIFA World Cup opener.

South Africa help Mexico collect all three points in FIFA World Cup opener
South Africa came out after the break knowing they were 1-0 down and needed to score an equaliser to level things. However, they were down to 10 men instead, with Sithole getting sent off five minutes into the second half.
Brian Gutiérrez was put through on goal, and he did well to put himself between the ball and the South African defender. Just before he entered the box, there was clear contact between the two players, and the referee sent off Sithole.

Things got worse for the 2010 hosts, as Jimenez made it 2-0 just 16 minutes later. The striker headed the ball in off a beautiful cross from Roberto Alvarado.
South Africa still kept pushing for a goal, but Themba Zwane was given the marching orders after VAR spotted him punching Alvarado. The nine men kept pushing but failed to get a goal back.
However, they also managed to get a Mexican player sent off, after Cesar Montes stopped a counterattack near the box. The game was the first time three red cards were shown in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup.In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, only four red cards were show, but we have three after just one match in 2026.

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Mexico striker Raul Jimenez has finalised his return to Wolves on a free transfer, ahead of spearheading El Tri’s home World Cup campaign.
Jimenez previously represented Wolves from 2018 to 2023, becoming their all-time leading Premier League goalscorer by netting 40 times in 135 league appearances.
He helped them finish seventh in back-to-back campaigns, scoring 13 Premier League goals in 2018-19 and 17 in 2019-20, before suffering a fractured skull during a game against Arsenal in November 2020.
He returned from that injury to spend two more seasons at Molineux before joining Fulham, scoring 28 Premier League goals in three campaigns at Craven Cottage. 
The 35-year-old will now look to help Wolves win promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt, after their dismal 2025-26 campaign resulted in relegation to the Championship. 
Jimenez has signed a two-year contract with the option to extend his stay for a further 12 months, with head coach Rob Edwards expecting the striker to have a major impact.
“He was involved in the club’s greatest time for a number of years, and he was a big part of that,” Edwards told Wolves’ website.
“I know what he means to the football club and to the supporters, but this is not a signing we’ve made just because it’s an emotional one.
“This is a signing we’ve made because we really believe that he’s the right man to be able to help us achieve our aims, so we’re delighted to have him.”

From Wolverhampton to Mexico City, he never left our hearts.
Welcome home.  pic.twitter.com/rO0dfmVRTv
— Wolves (@Wolves) June 9, 2026
Jimenez is Wolves’ second signing of the summer, with Kieran Trippier also arriving on a free transfer after leaving Newcastle United. 
Jimenez is currently preparing for Mexico’s World Cup opener against South Africa on Thursday, with El Tri serving as tournament hosts for a record-breaking third time.
Mexico are unbeaten in their last seven World Cup openers, with five wins and two draws. Their last defeat in an opening match came in 1994, when they lost 1-0 to Norway.

Former Liverpool forward Divock Origi has announced his retirement from professional football on Monday afternoon – even though he is just 31Divock Origi (Image: (Jan Kruger – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images))Divock Origi brought the curtain down on a career defined by iconic goals and major honours on Monday. And one of the forward’s most iconic moments in a Liverpool shirt had been months in the making.Origi wrote his name into the Anfield history books when he scored his side’s second goal in the 2-0 Champions League victory over Tottenham Hotspur in 2019. However, just a month before that game, the Belgium international starred with two goals, including the decider, when Liverpool beat Barcelona 4-0 in their Champions League semi-final second leg to overturn a three-goal deficit.And taking up the story of how things unfolded in the run up to the Reds winning the European Cup for a sixth time, Origi revealed that not only had he been due to leave Anfield for Wolverhampton Wanderers a couple of months before, but he had also visualised his big moment during private training sessions he was doing to improve his finishing.“When I came back from Wolfsburg, I was supposed to leave Liverpool,” he wrote in a special The Players’ Tribune. “Wolverhampton came with an offer of 30 million, and it made sense to go. I was out of the team. I wasn’t playing at all.“But when I prayed about it, for some reason it didn’t feel right. Something kept telling me to stay. And that’s when my faith kicked in. I can’t explain it, but I just felt like Liverpool was where God wanted me to be. I thought, It might not make sense now, but something good will come from this.“I stayed in Liverpool, and the first six months were extremely tough. Like I said, I wasn’t playing. I was doing heavy 5ks when I wasn’t in the matchday squad. Even during the 11 v 11 games at training I couldn’t participate. I had to be on the sidelines watching.“But Klopp was always there. I knew he believed in me. He’d always say, “Hey, keep training like this. Keep going.”“In private, I was training even more than anyone knew. It was like a little secret. The team used to train in the afternoon, and in the morning, I’d go to this little pitch in the city, and like every other day, I would go and just practice finishing — nothing but finishing. When the sun was rising, I’d load my balls up in the car, and I’d go on the pitch, hoping that there weren’t too many people there. I’d be praying no paparazzi snapped me. This little facility had six synthetic pitches. Sometimes you could rent all six, but usually not. And you put two small goals in the corner, and you had the big goal. And it was all about precision…… Now, visualize a moment, and finish.Divock Origi celebrates with Fabinho after scoring the fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg between Liverpool and Barcelona(Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)“You visualize it, you finish. You visualize it, you finish.“Like that for an hour. I was doing this in October, when I wasn’t even in the main team. But that drilling over and over, just transformed me. That gave me a different type of composure, beyond just being calm. It was like a focus. I started to really master my gift. At some point I was finishing on my left foot almost as well as my right.“Laces inside. Finish. Laces outside. Finish. Just simple.“Fast forward, and it’s the 2019 Champions League semifinals versus Barca at Anfield. It’s pure chaos. Liverpool went into it down 3-0. We had injuries. And Klopp put me in.“You visualize it, you finish. You visualize it, you finish. You visualize it, you finish.“The rest is history — our history. By the end of that year, I was a Champions League winner. And I’m the one that scored one of the two goals.”Divock Origi celebrates with the trophy after the UEFA Champions League finalOrigi agreed to move to the Reds in the summer of 2014 from Lille but remained with the French team on loan for another season.But the Belgium international was restricted to just 175 appearances during his time at Anfield – of which he only made 68 starts.However, many of his 41 goals during that time were memorable, including six derby strikes against Everton, a brace in the Champions League semi-final comeback against Barcelona in 2019 and the clinching goal in the subsequent final against Tottenham Hotspur.Joining AC Milan on a free transfer at the end of his Liverpool contract in 2022, the striker endured a difficult time at the San Siro, making only 36 senior appearances and scoring twice before leaving in December.He also had stints with Wolfsburg and Nottingham Forest and earned 32 caps for Belgium, scoring three goals. He retires from professional football at the age of just 31.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated LFC Facebook page