Club 'counting on Wolves relegation' to drive through signing for £12.5m gem who's only just joined
One Wolverhampton Wanderers star is already being targeted for a move away just months after signing
Almost as soon as the transfer window began back in June, it was known that there may be a difficult season ahead for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The side had no sooner had the opportunity to reflect on an outstanding second half of the season when Matheus Cunha had all-but agreed a move to Manchester United, a deal officially completed on June 12. Three days prior, marauding left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri signed for their rivals Manchester City. All of a sudden, a rosy summer looked a little more concerning.
In one sense, the fact that both sales were completed so early gave Wolves ample time to secure suitable replacements. The issue is that, when signing players from abroad as Wolves often like to, there is always the risk that they struggle to adapt to the league. The Old Gold’s recruitment policy had worked wonders in recent years, but something had to give at some stage.
Five matches into the new season and with Wolves rock-bottom of the league, their new signings have struggled to pull up trees thus far. One is now reportedly already being targeted for an exit.
Jhon Arias linked with surprise move back to Brazil
Just months after signing from Fluminense for an initial £15 million, Colombian playmaker Jhon Arias is reportedly a target for fellow Brazilian Série A side Flamengo as the South American giants aim to convince the 28-year-old to return to his native continent.
Arias was billed as Wolves’ ‘Cunha replacement’ on his arrival. He has made seven appearances thus far in league and cup, starting twice in the Premier League, and is yet to score or assist for Vitor Pereira’s men. This being his first experience playing in Europe in his career, he can be forgiven for needing a little time to adapt.
This has alerted Flamengo though, as per Sport Witness, with a ‘rapid escape route’ lined up should things not go to plan for Arias and Wolves this season. The report continues that Flamengo are “counting on Wolves’ relegation”, as per journalist Julio Miguel Neto, and may make an offer in 2026.
‘It makes me improve’ - Arias committed to Wolves
Despite speculation of an ambitious move by Flamengo, the indication from the player is that he is committed to sticking it out at Wolves as he continues to adapt to his new surroundings.
In an interview with AS Colombia, he said: “We all see how complex it is. It’s a different league and football compared to what I was used to in Brazil. The truth is I’m happy because it makes me improve. Raise my level, forces me out of my comfort zone and helps me grow. It’s an intense and physical league, and personally it’s a good place to grow.”
Moving to Europe at a later stage of his career was certainly an unorthodox and far from risk-free decision. But Arias created the most chances at the Club World Cup in the summer - by some distance, 18 to Cole Palmer’s 12 - and played 5,599 minutes for club and country in 2024, meaning he is a player who can be relied upon.
The hope at Wolves will be that he can begin to show the best form of his days at Fluminense soon, as players who inspire and lead on the pitch are just what the club need right now.