Wolves Secure Ivory Coast Defender Emmanuel Agbadou from Reims
Wolverhampton Wanderers have completed the signing of Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Agbadou from French club Reims for a reported fee of £16.6 million ($20.3 million). The 27-year-old centre-back has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the option of an additional 12 months, making him the first signing under new manager Vitor Pereira.
Agbadou, who began his professional career with Monastir in Tunisia, also had a stint at Eupen in Belgium before joining Reims. Over the past two-and-a-half seasons, he played for Reims in Ligue 1 and captained the team during the current season.
The new Wolves recruit expressed his excitement about joining a “historic club” and highlighted his leadership qualities. “I’m a player who likes to play football, I’m strong also, and I’m a leader in the defence,” Agbadou said. He added that he is eager to bring his leadership to help the team under Pereira’s guidance.
Wolves’ sporting director, Matt Hobbs, praised Agbadou’s winning mentality and hunger for success. “Emmanuel’s a winner and he’s driven. After the journey he has had, he’s still unbelievably hungry,” Hobbs remarked. “He’s the type of player the Wolves fans should love, because you’re going to get absolutely everything he’s got.”
The signing comes after Wolves appointed Vitor Pereira last month, following the sacking of Gary O’Neil. Currently, the club is above the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference, with their next match in the FA Cup third round against Bristol City on Saturday.
