'Documents signed' as Wolves near deal to give £25m go-ahead to Newcastle United

Wolves have reportedly completed the final steps to sign Reims central defender Emmanuel Agbadou on a permanent transfer.

It was reported on Monday (January 6) that the 27-year-old was undergoing his medical in France ahead of a flight to England. Now, less than 24 hours later, transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed all necessary procedures have been completed.

Posting to X (formerly Twitter), Romano said: “Wolves have signed all documents to bring in Emmanuel Agbadou as new centre-back, deal sealed and story confirmed. €20 million package with add-ons included from Reims, contracted valid for the next five years and half option included.”

New Wolves boss Vitor Pereira will be delighted as he was determined to land a new quick, tall and physical centre-half to add to his depleted back line. The serious injury suffered by Yerson Mosquera earlier in the season really left Wanderers in the lurch in that department - as regularly pointed out by previous boss Gary O’Neil - so signing Agbadou will come as a huge boost.

One of the Reims’ star players in Ligue 1 over recent years, Adgbadou played over 2,300 minutes in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. He’s hardly missed a tick in the first half of this campaign, either, helping his side in mid-table contention in the French top flight.

Agbadou, seven times a full Ivory Coast international, is likely to slot straight in as he’s got the necessary experience and aggression to help Wolves right away. Wanderers needed a reinforcement as quickly as possible as Pereira prefers playing with a back three and just one senior central defender was available against Nottingham Forest.

Newcastle boosted by Wolves transfer completion

The Magpies have one less club to compete with for Lens defender Kevin Danso now that Wolves have signed Agbadou. The Old Gold held a strong interest in Danso but decided on bringing in Agbadou instead, so Newcastle have a clearer route to one of their targets.

Caught Offside reported on Sunday (January 5) that Newcastle and West Ham United were among the potential suitors for Danso, with Eddie Howe’s side “showing the strongest interest” of all. Just like Wolves, Newcastle could do with some added depth at the back as they seek to accomplish their goals before the end of the campaign.

Danso, 24 times a full Austria international, has started most Ligue 1 matches available to him over the past three and a half seasons. The 26-year-old, entering his prime years, has established himself as a vital player for Lens as the French side look to re-gain a place in the UEFA Champions League after their expedition in 2023/24.

Formerly of Southampton, Danso has played six times in the Premier League before so he’s not a complete stranger to English football. The defender has experienced a third top flight, too, as he broke through at Augsburg in Germany and made 44 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit. He’s said to be available this month for around £25 million.