One player Wolves have been linked to ahead of the summer transfer window once received high praise for his playing style.
With the end of the 2024/25 season in sight, Vitor Pereira will prepare to work with Matt Hobbs in the summer transfer window.
Pereira’s first transfer window with Wolves was a success, welcoming three players in January to bolster the squad.
Now that the Portuguese manager has shown what he can do at Molineux, there’s added emphasis on the summer, with a host of names already being linked to the Old Gold.
Patrice Evra’s glowing praise of Wolves target Nicolas Pepe
Wolves have particularly found success in the Brazilian and French markets in recent years, as Pereira struck gold with Emmanuel Agbadou in January.
Gary O’Neil had similar success by signing Andre during the summer of 2024 however, there’s an indication that Wolves’ search is not restricted to their previous transfer triumphs.
It’s been reported that Wolves are interested in Villarreal winger Nicolas Pepe, formerly of Arsenal.
Pepe made a record-breaking move to North London in 2019, signing for £72m, though some believe that he merely showed glimpses of his potential at Arsenal.
Despite receiving harsh criticism over his transfer, Pepe still had admirers in England, one of which being five-time Premier League winner Patrice Evra.
Speaking during Sky Sports’ coverage of Arsenal’s win over Sheffield United in October 2020, the Manchester United icon shared his ‘amazing’ verdict on Pepe.
“In the French league, he scored lots and lots of goals,” Evra said, referencing the winger’s 33-goal contribution season in Ligue 1 before joining Arsenal.
“In the Premier League, though, you have to find your strength before you can start to play your football. One against one though, Pepe is amazing”
Evra credited Pepe for his strengths when isolated in one against one situations, a trait that could prompt Pereira to further consider a transfer.
Pepe could be perfect for what Vitor Pereira wants
For all of the talent that Pereira has in his Wolves squad, the boss has already been clear with what he wants in the summer.
After losing Pedro Neto to Chelsea, the Old Gold’s amount of one-versus-one wide talent reduced significantly.
Pereira revealed that he wants to sign a player with individual skill to replenish the void left by the Portugal international, something Pepe could be.
“I think it’s about individual skills, maybe next season we need to think about players one against one,” Pereira said in March.
“Players that can create something in one against one. I think we have one or two with this profile.”
Whether the manager thinks Pepe can be the man for the job remains to be seen, but the initial links paint an encouraging picture.