Wolves’ 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest marks the first significant setback for Vitor Pereira since taking charge at Molineux. After a promising start, where Wolves picked up seven points from his first three games, the loss to Forest has exposed some key challenges in the squad that Pereira will need to address as the January transfer window progresses.
The match highlighted the lack of depth in Wolves’ midfield, with two of the club’s most crucial midfielders unavailable to start. Andre, who has been a vital presence since his arrival, was notably absent due to personal reasons. Pereira had previously confirmed during his pre-match press conference that the 23-year-old had traveled back to South America to be with his wife for the birth of their son. While the manager expected Andre to return in time for the clash with Forest, the player’s absence raised questions among fans.
After the game, Pereira clarified that Andre was granted additional time away due to a family health issue, explaining, “I think a father must be with his son and with his wife. This is a moment that I cannot say no to. This is like a commitment between him and me.” Pereira’s compassionate stance reflects his understanding of the importance of family, and while Andre’s absence was felt on the pitch, it underscores a broader truth—some things in life are more significant than football.
Adding to Wolves’ midfield concerns is the uncertainty surrounding Mario Lemina, who remains a top transfer target for Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab. While Lemina came off the bench in the second half against Forest, the Gabon international’s future with Wolves remains uncertain, with a transfer agreement reportedly close. Pereira’s reliance on a makeshift midfield pairing of Tommy Doyle and Joao Gomes in the absence of Andre and Lemina exposed the team’s vulnerabilities in this area.
This defeat serves as a stark reminder of Wolves’ need to strengthen their squad to remain competitive in the Premier League. Speaking candidly about transfers after the match, Pereira stated, “If we want to be honest, we know, and everybody knows, that we need some positions. We need to bring players to help us. More solutions to face this league and the club is working. I believe that the players will come. Not too many players, because I don’t want too many, but we need to recover our players as soon as possible and bring two or three players to balance the team.”
Wolves are reportedly close to finalizing a deal for Emmanuel Agbadou from Stade Reims, a signing that could bolster their defensive options. Additionally, Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff has been linked with a potential move to Molineux, which could significantly strengthen Wolves’ midfield and help address the gaps exposed in the Forest defeat.
Despite the challenges, Pereira has shown a pragmatic and measured approach to managing his squad. His early results indicate he has the ability to bring stability and progress to Wolves, but the January transfer window will be crucial in determining how the team fares in the remainder of the season. With Andre’s return imminent and the prospect of new signings, Wolves will look to bounce back quickly and build on the promising foundation Pereira has started to lay. However, for Wolves to achieve their goals this season, the club must act decisively in the transfer market and ensure the squad is equipped to handle the physical and tactical demands of the Premier League.