Wolves have confirmed the signing of Reims defender Emmanuel Agbadou for a fee of £16.6m.
The Ivorian centre-back has joined on a four-and-a-half-year deal. He is Vitor Pereira’s first signing since the Portuguese manager took over at Molineux.
Twenty-seven-year-old Agbadou’s arrival also signals the end of Wolves’ pursuit of Lens defender Kevin Danso.
The Austrian international was a target, but the Midlands club instead opted for Agbadou.
Speaking after the signing was confirmed, Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs praised the new man.
He said: “Emmanuel’s a winner and he’s driven.
“After the journey’s had, he’s still unbelievably hungry. He’s the type of player the Wolves fans should love, because you’re going to get absolutely everything he’s got.
“When Vitor came in it’s the first conversation we had, to add one quick. There are so many games in January, so you can’t afford to waste a month.
“We have to use this month to be as efficient as possible, and we’re really excited about this signing.”
Welcome to Wolves, Emmanuel Agbadou! ✍️ pic.twitter.com/O0R8w6YWlq
— Wolves (@Wolves) January 9, 2025
Wolves Sign Agbadou As Max Kilman Replacement
Agbadou’s arrival gives Wolves a long-desired replacement for former captain Max Kilman.
Kilman joined West Ham in the summer for £40m, leaving Wolves light at the back.
A long-term knee injury to Yerson Mosquera in September meant a January defensive addition was essential.
Ivorian international Agbadou joined Reims from Belgian outfit KAS Eupen in 2022.
He scored three goals in 76 games for the French club, who sit 11th in Ligue 1.
Wolves will be grateful for the reinforcements as they enter the second half of a fierce relegation battle.
They are currently 17th in the Premier League, level on 16 points with Ipswich but out of the bottom three on goal difference.
They have conceded a league-highest 45 goals, so a solid central defender could quickly improve their fortunes.
Wolves’ next game is an FA Cup third round tie at Bristol City on Saturday. They then travel to Newcastle in the Premier League on January 15.
