‘Documents signed’ as Wolves near deal to give £25M go-ahead to Newcastle United

New Wolves manager Vitor Pereira will be thrilled to secure a quick, tall, and physical center-back to strengthen his struggling defense. Yerson Mosquera’s long-term injury earlier this season left Wolves with a glaring gap at the back, an issue frequently highlighted by former boss Gary O’Neil. The signing of Emmanuel Agbadou is a significant boost to the team, addressing a critical need in their defensive lineup.

Agbadou has been a standout performer for Reims in Ligue 1, playing over 2,300 minutes in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns. This season, he has continued to excel, playing a crucial role in keeping his team competitive in France’s top division.

His consistent presence and performances underscore his reliability and importance on the pitch. As a seven-time Ivory Coast international, Agbadou brings not only experience but also the aggression and defensive acumen needed to make an immediate impact for Wolves.

Given Pereira’s preference for a back-three formation, the timing of this signing is critical. Wolves were left severely short-handed at the back, with only one senior central defender available in their recent clash against Nottingham Forest.

Agbadou’s arrival provides much-needed depth and versatility, allowing Pereira to implement his preferred tactics effectively. His addition ensures Wolves are better equipped to handle the physical demands of Premier League football and stabilize their defensive structure moving forward.

Newcastle United, meanwhile, has indirectly benefited from Wolves’ move for Agbadou. With Wolves now out of the race for Lens defender Kevin Danso, Newcastle’s path to securing one of their key targets has become less obstructed.

Reports suggest that Wolves held significant interest in Danso but ultimately opted for Agbadou, leaving Newcastle with fewer competitors for the Austrian defender’s signature.

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle and West Ham United were among the clubs interested in Danso, but Eddie Howe’s side is said to have shown the most substantial interest.

Newcastle, like Wolves, is seeking defensive reinforcements as they aim to meet their objectives for the remainder of the season. Adding depth to the backline has become a priority for the Magpies, particularly as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.

Danso, a 24-time Austria international, has been a consistent presence for Lens, starting the majority of Ligue 1 matches over the past three and a half seasons.

At 26 years old, he is entering his prime years and has established himself as a key player for the French club. Lens, currently striving to regain a spot in the UEFA Champions League, has heavily relied on Danso’s defensive leadership and capabilities.

Danso is no stranger to English football, having previously played in the Premier League during a stint with Southampton. His familiarity with the league and its demands makes him an appealing option for Newcastle.

Additionally, Danso has experience in Germany’s top flight, having made 44 appearances for Bundesliga side Augsburg before moving to Lens. His versatility and proven track record across multiple leagues make him a well-rounded defender capable of adapting to different styles of play. Reports suggest that he could be available for a fee of around £25 million, a reasonable price for a player of his quality and experience.

For Newcastle, securing Danso would represent a strategic investment in their defensive line. As the Magpies push for a strong finish to the season, bolstering their backline with a reliable and experienced player like Danso could prove pivotal.

Eddie Howe’s side has shown remarkable progress in recent campaigns, and adding high-caliber players to the squad will only strengthen their ability to compete at the highest level.

In conclusion, Wolves’ acquisition of Agbadou and Newcastle’s pursuit of Danso highlight the importance of strategic defensive reinforcements in the Premier League. Both teams recognize the critical role a solid backline plays in achieving success and have taken steps to address their needs.

While Wolves have secured a strong addition in Agbadou, Newcastle appears well-positioned to capitalize on the reduced competition for Danso. As the January transfer window unfolds, these moves could significantly impact the fortunes of both clubs as they aim to meet their season objectives.