Yuri Alberto is certainly an interesting prospect for Wolves, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Matheus Cunha’s future. If Cunha departs in the summer, Wolves will need a dynamic forward who can slot into their attacking system without requiring too much time to adapt. Alberto’s skill set seems to fit what Vítor Pereira looks for in a striker—someone who isn’t just a poacher but can also contribute outside the box, making intelligent runs, linking play, and pressing defenders.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Alberto’s profile is his movement. Unlike a traditional target man who stays central and looks to dominate physically, he thrives on running in behind and exploiting space. His speed and agility make him difficult to mark, and his willingness to chase loose balls and press high up the pitch suggests he could fit into a high-intensity system like Wolves’. Having previously worked under Pereira at Corinthians, there is already an existing relationship between player and coach, which could help smooth any potential transition to the Premier League.
However, it’s important to assess whether he would be the right signing at the right time. Wolves already have a number of attacking options, including Jorgen Strand Larsen, Hwang Hee-chan, and Gonçalo Guedes. While none of them are exactly like Alberto in terms of playing style, it raises the question of whether another forward should be a priority or if Wolves should instead focus on strengthening other areas, such as midfield or defense. That being said, if Cunha leaves, they will undoubtedly need to replace him, and Alberto’s £20 million price tag, while not cheap, is a reasonable valuation for a 23-year-old striker with potential resale value.
His previous performances under Pereira at Corinthians were solid, though not spectacular. Scoring 11 goals and providing two assists in 28 appearances isn’t an elite return, but it does suggest he was effective even while still adapting to the team. If, as Rogerio Junior suggests, he is now reaching the peak of his form, it could mean Wolves would be signing him at just the right moment, when he is ready to take the next step in his career.
Comparing him to Lautaro Martínez is an interesting point. Lautaro has developed into one of Europe’s top strikers, combining movement, technical ability, and a relentless work rate to great effect. If Alberto shares some of those traits, it could bode well for his chances in the Premier League. However, Lautaro also had a strong grounding in European football, having developed at Inter Milan alongside world-class players. Alberto, on the other hand, has played all of his football in Brazil and Russia (during his spell with Zenit), which means he may require more time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the English game.
That brings us to an important question—should Wolves gamble on a player who has never played in the Premier League, or should they prioritize a more experienced forward? Premier League adaptation is often a challenge for South American attackers. While some hit the ground running, others struggle with the intensity, defensive structure, and physical demands. Rogerio believes Alberto adapts quickly, which is promising, but there are no guarantees. Wolves have had mixed results with signings from outside the league—some, like Cunha, have adjusted well, while others have taken longer to make an impact.
Much will depend on Wolves’ final position this season. If they secure survival and have a solid financial foundation for the summer transfer window, then taking a calculated risk on Alberto could be worth it. He would likely be a player Wolves could develop and eventually sell on for a profit if he performs well. However, if Wolves are in a position where they need immediate results, they might be better off targeting a striker with proven experience in England, someone who can deliver goals straight away without needing months to settle in.
Overall, Yuri Alberto appears to be a promising option, but his success at Wolves would depend on several factors: how well he adjusts to English football, whether he can deliver consistent goal returns, and whether he fits seamlessly into Pereira’s system. If Wolves do go back in for him, they will need to ensure he is given the right conditions to thrive. The potential is there, but is he the right signing at the right time?
Would you like to see Wolves take another shot at signing him, or do you think they should target a striker with Premier League experience instead?