Life is never easy at the bottom of the Premier League table, and Vitor Pereira has experienced those trials and tribulations.
When Matheus Cunha scored the winner against Bournemouth 10 days ago to lift Wolves five points clear of the relegation zone, optimism of achieving survival was sky high.
The Old Gold produced the perfect away performance to beat a side chasing down the Champions League spots, with Vitor Pereira’s men showing why they’re above Leicester City and Ipswich Town.
Unfortunately, Pereira’s side didn’t carry that momentum into their midweek Premier League clash as Fulham beat Wolves 2-1 at Molineux, and they were then knocked out of the FA Cup by Bournemouth on Saturday.
Matheus Cunha’s red card late in extra time was followed by a dramatic penalty shootout defeat, which denied them a place in the quarter-finals.
Cunha will now miss three games at least, prompting worries from a Wolves persuasion ahead of a home clash against Everton on Saturday night.
- READ MORE: Vitor Pereira receives much-needed injury boost as Wolves star set to return to first team training
Wolves tried to sign Everton loanee Carlos Alcaraz in 2022
Pereira being without his talisman is a massive blow ahead of a crucial battle in the fight for survival, and that isn’t the only variable causing panic as one former target could come back to haunt them.
Just like Evanilson did on Saturday, who Wolves tried to sign three years ago, Everton loanee Carlos Alcaraz could dent their chances of staying up after Julen Lopetegui wanted him in 2022.
Wolves approached Alcaraz when he was at Racing Club in December 2022, following links earlier in the year. But unfortunately, it was Southampton who completed the £12 million capture of the Argentine in January 2023.
The 22-year-old perhaps made the wrong call joining the Saints, as he couldn’t prevent them from dropping into the Championship before being snapped up by Juventus on loan a year later.
Alcaraz then transferred to Brazilian side Flamengo in August 2024, ending his 18-month stint at St Mary’s, where he amassed just 48 appearances.
Now, the highly-rated midfielder is playing on loan at Everton under David Moyes, and this weekend, will have an opportunity to pile further misery onto Pereira.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 15 |  West HamWest Ham | 27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 32 | 47 | -15 | 33 |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton | 27 | 7 | 11 | 9 | 30 | 34 | -4 | 32 |
| 17 |  WolvesWolves | 27 | 6 | 4 | 17 | 37 | 56 | -19 | 22 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 27 | 3 | 8 | 16 | 26 | 57 | -31 | 17 |
| 19 |  LeicesterLeicester | 27 | 4 | 5 | 18 | 25 | 61 | -36 | 17 |
What Alcaraz said after joining Southampton over Wolves
Perhaps not signing Alcaraz was a blessing, as Wolves captured another South American instead during January 2023, with Joao Gomes joining from Flamengo.
Gomes has proven to be an excellent capture, costing just £3 million more than the £12 million Southampton paid for Alcaraz.
However, following his transfer to St Mary’s two years ago, the Argentine issued a statement that would have excited Southampton fans.
“I’m thrilled to be at this club, it’s fantastic,” he told Saints official. “After my first few hours at the club facilities, I can see how great it is and I’m delighted to be here. It’s a brilliant club.
“I knew it would be a challenge in my career, so I wanted to take it, knowing I was joining a great club, and that’s just what I’ve found here.”
“I’m really excited to play and train. I’m here to give 100% for this club and the shirt. I can’t wait to train and get to know my teammates. I’ll give my all.”
Alcaraz will be desperate to add to his tally of one goal for Everton this Saturday, especially against a side who wanted him previously.