Wolves manager Vitor Pereira has not been shy about the transfer market this summer, making it known he needed more quality on multiple occasions.
A mass exodus of crucial first-team players has meant Wolves needed to replace them, and when Matheus Cunha was bought by Manchester United, Fluminense’s Jhon Arias was deemed the man to replace him.
The Colombian impressed at the Club World Cup, but this wasn’t the sole reason that Vitor Pereira wanted to sign him.
The Wolves boss has now shared why he is a big fan of the winger and why he wanted him to be part of his squad.
Vitor Pereira wanted to sign Jhon Arias after facing him in Brazil
Vitor Pereira is a man who has managed all across the globe. He has had stints in Portugal, Turkey, China, and Brazil.
It was in the latter when Pereira first came to be aware of Jhon Arias, after being in charge of Corinthians and Flamengo during 2022 and 2023.
Since then, the Wolves boss has kept an eye on the winger and has remained a fan of his abilities.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, the Wolves manager said, “I’ve had my eye on him ever since I saw him play a metre away from me, right there on the touchline.”
He later goes on to say, “He’s also a unique player, one I knew very well from the time I played against him. And that’s why I made this effort for him to come.”
While the manager is quick to be complimentary, Pereira has warned fans to temper their Arias expectations.
The Colombian is new to the Premier League and may need some time to adapt; however, his overall quality is clearly evident.
Pereira’s long-term admiration makes him well aware of just how good the winger can be, and this is why he is asking fans to be patient with their new man.
The quality of Jhon Arias is evident at Wolves
The qualities of Jhon Arias are clear, particularly highlighted in his first goal for the club against Girona.
The Colombian showcased pace, power, and strength as he ran through on goal, where he was also able to top it off with a strong finish.
Wolves fans will be hoping to see more of this throughout his career in England, and a new arrival could elevate Arias’ game to the next level.
Unfortunately for Arias, he was not ready to start based on Pereira’s line-up against Manchester City. However, as he adapts to the league, you will likely see him a lot more.
For now, fans are simply hoping for more recruitment to ensure that they are watching Jhon Arias playing Premier League football for them and not Championship.