Conor Coady has been linked with a sensational return to Wolves on transfer deadline day but now any deal looks dead in the water.
Earlier on Monday, it emerged that Wolves wanted to re-sign Coady from Leicester City in a proposed swap deal involving Craig Dawson.
Those rumours were quickly quashed, however, as one Sky Sports reporter claimed Coady to Wolves ‘isn’t happening’, dealing Vitor Pereira a potential blow.
Now, shortly after supporters were given this update, another has been revealed and it perhaps explains why the 31-year-old won’t be returning to Molineux.
Leicester City rejected Conor Coady and Craig Dawson swap deal
According to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett on X, Leicester rejected the Coady and Dawson swap deal, although he did claim talks were initial, they just haven’t progressed.
Coady was revered by Wolves supporters during his eight years at the club, captaining them through a golden generation, which saw Nuno Espirito Santo lead the Old Gold into Europe in two consecutive seasons.
The Englishman’s career has arguably taken a downward spiral since leaving Wolverhampton in 2023, rarely featuring in Enzo Maresca’s title-winning campaign at Leicester last term and only making 10 Premier League appearances in 2024/25.
So, whilst he hasn’t played a lot of football recently, the ex-Wolves captain would have been a crucial addition in the closing stages, with many elements explaining why.
Why Coady would have been perfect for Vitor Pereira
Coady may not be at the peak of his powers physically, but in a relegation battle, his leadership attributes and dressing-room expertise would have been invaluable.
When he earned multiple England call-ups under Gareth Southgate in 2020, the former Three Lions boss described Coady’s personality as ‘infectious’, and that is exactly the type of player Pereira needs.
The ball-playing defender is capable of lifting his teammates during hard times, and in the battle to survive, those traits are much needed.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 15 |  West HamWest Ham | 23 | 7 | 6 | 10 | 28 | 44 | -16 | 27 |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton | 23 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 23 | 28 | -5 | 26 |
| 17 |  WolvesWolves | 24 | 5 | 4 | 15 | 34 | 52 | -18 | 19 |
| 18 |  LeicesterLeicester | 24 | 4 | 5 | 15 | 25 | 53 | -28 | 17 |
| 19 |  IpswichIpswich | 24 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 22 | 49 | -27 | 16 |
Not only that, but Pereira is looking for an experienced centre-back to marshall his back three. Coady’s ball-playing skills and ability to read the game, as demonstrated previously, would have been excellent for the Old Gold.
He could have slotted into defence when needed, perhaps used as an option to close out games instead of starting regularly.
It’s just unfortunate that a deal to re-sign the former skipper looks dead in the water, as he looked like being a shrewd signing.