Wolverhampton Wanderers are on the verge of appointing Vitor Pereira as their new head coach.
This move comes after the club parted ways with Gary O'Neil following a disappointing start to the season. Wolves, currently languishing in 19th place in the Premier League table with only nine points from 16 matches, have been actively seeking a replacement for O'Neil.
The decision to sack O'Neil was made shortly after a 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town, which left the team four points adrift of safety. Vitor Pereira, who is presently managing Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, has emerged as the frontrunner for the position.
According to reports, Wolves have reached a broad agreement with Al Shabab regarding a compensation package for the 56-year-old Portuguese manager. Negotiations are ongoing, and Wolves are hopeful of finalizing the deal within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Pereira's coaching career has seen him achieve success across various countries, including Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Germany, China, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. Despite his extensive experience, this would mark his first managerial role in the English Premier League.
Wolves' hierarchy holds him in high regard, having noted his ability to win league titles in multiple countries. The club's owners, Fosun, have a history of employing Portuguese managers, with Pereira set to follow in the footsteps of Bruno Lage and Nuno Espírito Santo. While it remains unclear if renowned agent Jorge Mendes played a role in this appointment, Wolves' connections with Portuguese football are well-documented.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news, stating that "Wolves are working on a deal to appoint Vitor Pereira as their new head coach."
The Athletic also reported that Wolves are prepared to pay the release clause in Pereira's contract with Al Shabab. As Wolves prepare to face Leicester City at the weekend, they are keen to have Pereira in place to take charge of training sessions and strategize for the upcoming match.
The club's fans will be eager to see how Pereira's holistic approach to coaching, which emphasizes discipline and emotional intelligence, translates into results on the pitch.
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