As the transfer window is now open, it`s reported that Vitor Pereira has specifically requested Wolverhampton Wanderers` hierarchy to sign a Brazilian defender with a £22m release clause.
Matt Hobbs Leaves the Club
While Wolves aim to start their summer transfer activity promptly, especially with Matheus Cunha already gone and Rayan Ait-Nouri drawing interest from Manchester City, Matt Hobbs` departure could cause delays. The club is expected to undergo a behind-the-scenes restructure without a sporting director, before Pereira`s first summer transfer window as manager.
The club issued a statement regarding Hobbs` departure:
`Wolves can confirm that sporting director Matt Hobbs has left the club by mutual consent as part of a wider restructure of the football department.
`Hobbs, who joined Wolves in 2015, has spent the past decade working across a number of key football roles at the club, including chief scout, head of recruitment and most recently as sporting director.
`The club extends its sincere thanks to Matt for his contributions throughout his time at Wolves and wishes him the very best for the future. Further updates on the new football leadership structure will follow.`
Besides Matt Hobbs` departure, other changes are happening at Wolves. Having already lost Matheus Cunha and with reports suggesting Rayan Ait-Nouri is attracting interest from Manchester City, the club faces squad adjustments.
With the potential loss of two key players in one summer, Wolves need to make smart signings. Pereira is keen for his first full season to build upon the progress already made at Molineux, aiming for a mid-table finish rather than another relegation scrap.
A positive aspect is that Wolves are expected to have funds available, which Pereira is reportedly eager to utilize effectively.
Pereira Asks Wolves to Sign Renan
Pereira has now reportedly made a direct request to Wolves to sign Robert Renan. Pereira previously worked with the 21-year-old Brazilian defender in Saudi Arabia and at Corinthians. Renan, currently at Zenit St. Petersburg and having spent the season on loan at Al-Shabab, reportedly has a release clause of £22m and could potentially move to the Premier League.
| Robert Renan under Vitor Pereira | Record (via Transfermarkt) |
|---|---|
| Games | 25 |
| Wins | 13 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Defeats | 7 |
Despite being only 21, Renan has received notable praise for his rapid development in recent seasons. This includes recognition from U23 scout Antonio Mango, who commended the defender`s `great mobility and acceleration` in 2023.
Two years later, the young centre-back has continued to improve, potentially setting him up for his biggest career move. Pereira`s familiarity with the player and Wolves` expected transfer funds suggest that Renan`s potential arrival could be a logical step for everyone involved this summer.
Given he has reportedly asked for the Brazilian`s signing, it remains to be seen whether Pereira will succeed in bringing Renan to Wolves in the upcoming months.
