Alious
With the summer transfer window officially open, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ head coach Vitor Pereira has wasted no time identifying top targets — and he’s reportedly made a personal appeal to the club’s hierarchy to secure the services of promising Brazilian centre-back Robert Renan.
Turmoil Behind the Scenes as Hobbs Departs
Wolves are entering a crucial period of transition. The departure of long-serving sporting director Matt Hobbs could stall the club’s early transfer activity. Hobbs, who had been with the Midlands side since 2015 and served in various capacities including chief scout, head of recruitment, and most recently sporting director, has exited by mutual agreement as part of a significant restructuring of the club’s football operations.
In a club statement, Wolves expressed gratitude for Hobbs’ decade-long contribution, assuring fans that a new leadership structure would soon be unveiled. However, his exit comes at a critical juncture, with key players either gone or likely heading out the door.
Key Departures Mounting Pressure
Already, Wolves have bid farewell to star forward Matheus Cunha, who joined Manchester United. Meanwhile, influential left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is attracting strong interest from Premier League champions Manchester City, with a potential transfer in the pipeline.
These high-profile exits underscore the urgency of successful reinforcements. Pereira is entering his first summer window in charge, and with top talent leaving, he’ll be determined to reshape the squad and avoid a repeat of last season’s brush with relegation. A push toward mid-table stability will be the clear objective — and that requires smart, timely acquisitions.
Pereira Recommends Robert Renan
One name reportedly top of Pereira’s list is Robert Renan. According to **UOL**, as relayed by **Molineux News**, Pereira has personally recommended the young Brazilian to Wolves’ decision-makers. The pair previously worked together during stints at Corinthians and Al-Shabab, giving the Wolves boss firsthand insight into the defender’s capabilities.
Renan, currently under contract with Zenit St. Petersburg, has a release clause of approximately £22 million. The 21-year-old spent the last season on loan at Saudi club Al-Shabab, and his performances have only strengthened his reputation as one of Brazil’s most promising defensive prospects.
Renan’s skill set — which includes excellent mobility, sharp acceleration, and composure under pressure — was lauded by U23 scout Antonio Mango in 2023. Since then, he’s continued to mature and looks ready for a move to a more competitive league.
A Logical Move for All Parties
Given Pereira’s familiarity with Renan and the likelihood of substantial funds from recent and upcoming player sales, the deal appears to make strong strategic sense. Renan could not only fill the void left by potential defensive exits but also offer long-term value and athleticism at the heart of the backline.
Wolves’ financial position, buoyed by outgoing transfers, could make the £22m price tag feasible. For Renan, the Premier League offers a major platform to advance his career, and a manager who believes in him could ease his transition.
Will Wolves Deliver for Pereira?
With Pereira reportedly making a direct pitch for Renan’s signing, all eyes will be on Wolves’ response. The coming weeks will reveal whether the club acts decisively to back their new head coach and bring in a defender who could become a cornerstone of their new era.
Alious
