Wolves are closing in on their first signing of the January transfer window after agreeing a deal for Emmanuel Agbadou.
Wolves promised to get their business done early this month and it appears they’re delivering on that front.
It was reported on Friday morning that Wolves were readying a transfer for Emmanuel Agbadou, who was made available for £16.5 million by Ligue 1 side Reims.
Now, a deal for the Ivory Coast international has moved quickly with Fabrizio Romano supplying an update on the transfer this evening.
Wolves set to complete the £15m signing of Emmanuel Agbadou
According to transfer expert Romano, Wolves have agreed a £15m deal with Reims for Agbadou while the defender has sealed personal terms.
The Italian journalist reports that a move is set to be formally sealed next week, as Vitor Pereira closes in on his first signing as manager.
For Wolves supporters who experienced a torrid time under Gary O’Neil, seeing the club get business done early will be a refreshing sight.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 15 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 19 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 20 | 27 | -7 | 20 |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton | 18 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 24 | -9 | 17 |
| 17 |  WolvesWolves | 19 | 4 | 4 | 11 | 31 | 42 | -11 | 16 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 19 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 18 | 33 | -15 | 15 |
| 19 |  LeicesterLeicester | 19 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 22 | 42 | -20 | 14 |
Agbadou will join a side that has conceded 42 goals in the league this term – joint-worst with Leicester City – and the 27-year-old will hope to solidify that area of the pitch.
What Wolves fans can expect from Agbadou
To many of a Wolves persuasion, Agbadou will be an unknown quantity however, his profile looks like an instant upgrade on their current defensive options.
Standing at 6 foot 3 inches tall, the Ivory Coast star is an imposing presence in defence who thrives from winning aerial duels and dominating attackers.
The African star currently plies his trade with Reims in Ligue 1, where he’s featured 14 times this term and made 80 appearances in total for the French side.
Capped 11 times by his country with one goal to his name, Agbadou has risen to prominence as an exciting talent in France, with the statistics showing what he will bring to Wolves.
Emmanuel Agbadou’s per 90 statistics (past year)
- 2.2 tackles
- 1.52 interceptions
- 1.72 blocks
- 87.2% pass completion
- 5.79 progressive passes
- 1.03 progressive carries
- 0.66 successful take-ons
For many of the above, the dominant defender ranks high in several statistics across Europe. He’s in the top 15% for tackles, the top 13% for blocks and the top 17% for interceptions, per FBref.
Further, the Ivorian will also slot brilliantly into Pereira’s system which requires his defenders to be comfortable on the ball.
He places in the top 7% for progressive passes, the top 15% for progressive carries, and the top 1% for successful take-ons.
Indeed, Agbadou looks like a brilliant signing for Wolves and could be exactly what they need to survive in the Premier League.