Wolverhampton Wanderers have appointed Vitor Pereira as their new head coach.
The Athletic reported on Tuesday Pereira was travelling to the UK after agreeing a one-and-a-half-year deal to take charge at Molineux. He joins the club following a 10-month spell at Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.
The 56-year-old will take training for the first time on Thursday to begin preparations for his first game in charge against Leicester City this Sunday.
“This is a challenging moment for the club, and we want to thank Vitor for taking on this responsibility,” said Wolves chairman Jeff Shi. “We have full confidence in his ability to guide us back on track, alongside the players and staff, and the entire club will be united in supporting him to achieve success.”
Gary O’Neil was sacked as Wolves head coach last Sunday following defeat by Ipswich Town — an 11th of the 2024-25 campaign — on Saturday.
That result left Wolves 19th in the Premier League table, four points from safety.
Pereira leaves Al Shabab sixth in the Saudi Pro League after seven wins from 13 games this season.
Sporting director Matt Hobbs added: “Vitor is a highly experienced and accomplished head coach who has demonstrated his ability to succeed at the highest level. His personality, desire and leadership qualities stood out to us during this process, and we’re excited to see how he applies his expertise here at Wolves.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Vitor and his team on a daily basis, supporting them in every way possible – from getting the maximum out of our staff at Compton, to recruitment in the upcoming transfer window – as we work together to strengthen the squad and achieve our collective goals.”
Pereira is known for his ability to handle big names and improve players, while the discipline and emotional understanding he is said to apply to his work have drawn admiration. He also speaks multiple languages including very strong English.
He has enjoyed a long managerial career which included winning the Portuguese league title in both of his seasons with Porto in 2012 and 2013.
Pereira also won a league and cup double with Olympiacos in 2015 and the Chinese Super League with Shanghai SIPG in 2018.
He was a candidate to replace Rafa Benitez at Everton in 2022 only for criticism from supporters ultimately ending with Frank Lampard being appointed.
Pereira joined Al Shabab in February of this year before guiding them to an eighth-place finish.
(Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images))
