Wolves are currently preparing for the 2025/26 campaign as they aim to build on their 16th-place finish last term.
The Wolves players are on their pre-season training camp in Portugal. Vitor Pereira is using this time as an opportunity to work with his squad, including new signing Fer Lopez, as well as up-and-coming youngsters.
20-year-old forward Leo Lopes has impressed in pre-season so far and was part of the Wolves side that lost 2-1 against CD Santa Clara on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the returning Sasa Kalajdzic scored a well-taken goal against Santa Clara, as he aims to work his way into Pereira’s plans or play regular football out on loan.
But while there is uncertainty hanging over the future of Kalajdzic and other first-team stars, defender Emmanuel Agbadou is nailed on to start next season.
Virgil van Dijk has swapped shirts with Wolves star Emmanuel Agbadou
Wolves signed Agbadou for around £16m in the January transfer window, and the Ivorian instantly made his presence felt in the heart of defence.
Agbadou was a mainstay in Pereira’s back three and was a pillar of solidity alongside Matt Doherty and Toti Gomes as the trio helped Wolves survive relegation.
The 28-year-old even caught the eye of some big Premier League stars with his performances, including Liverpool stalwart Virgil van Dijk.
Although Agbadou played poorly against Liverpool in February during a 2-1 defeat at Anfield, he still commanded the respect of Van Dijk.
As he said via Wolves’ Instagram page, Agbadou named the big Dutchman as the best player he’s swapped shirts with, and explained how the 34-year-old ‘appreciated’ his performance.
“Van Dijk,” the Ivorian said. “He appreciated how I was playing this game against Liverpool.”
Agbadou says playing for Wolves is a ‘dream’
Agbadou is almost everything you’d want in a modern-day centre-back. He’s incredibly strong in the air, great at winning ground duels, possesses exceptional recovery pace and is efficient with the ball at his feet.
It was ultimately the towering presence of the former Stade Reims star that helped solidify Wolves in defence and made them tougher to beat.
What’s more impressive is that it took him no time to adapt to the demands of top-flight football, and after seven months at Molineux, Agbadou says it’s a ‘dream’ to play for Wolves.
“To me, it’s just the job of God and if I have done something for the team, then I appreciate that,” he said. “I’m a player like every player in this league, and I don’t think that I have something different. If you told me that you thought I helped, then that’s good.
“But I should always do my part because for me, it was a dream [to join Wolves] and when you live your dream, you need to enjoy it. I can only talk for myself, but you don’t have too much time for fun.”
Next season is pivotal for Wolves and Agbadou as they aim to rocket up the Premier League table.