Vitor Pereira’s head might have been turned by what one Wolves target just did at the Club World Cup.
Several former Wolves players are at the Club World Cup, as 32 teams fight to be crowned the best in the world.
The tournament has kicked off in style with as many as 17 goals scored over the opening five matches, with one ex-Wolf making his mark.
Ballon d’Or candidate Vitinha scored in Paris Saint-Germain’s opening win over Atletico Madrid, but the midfielder isn’t the only player that those at Wolves would’ve been eyeing.
SE Palmeiras v FC Porto: Group A - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Carl Recine – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Wolves target Richard Rios stars in Club World Cup opener
In January, Pereira wasted no time sounding out a replacement in midfield amid Mario Lemina’s transfer fall-out.
The player selected as a possible replacement was Richard Rios, who was wanted by Wolves in the winter market.
Several Premier League clubs were looking at the Colombian international, who ended up staying at Palmeiras, as the Brazilian side had no desire to let him leave.
After Rios’ opening performance at the Club World Cup, it’s unsurprising that Palmeiras didn’t want to let him go, just as it is unsurprising that Pereira wanted to sign him.
Richard Rios vs FC Porto
1 key pass
100% long balls
3 shots
3 successful dribbles
6 duels won
4 defensive actions
Richard Rios vs FC Porto at the Club World Cup – Sofascore
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Upon watching Rios in action against FC Porto, journalist Zach Lowy shared his belief that the 25-year-old has ‘everything you want in a box-to-box midfielder’, and his numbers revealed why.
In 87 minutes against Porto, the midfielder showed a masterclass in playing both the defensive and attacking roles in the middle of the park.
From duel-winning to ball-playing to carrying play forward, Rios had it all, making it abundantly clear why Pereira was keen to bring him to Molineux.
Wolves could pursue Rios again
Palmeiras quite rightly rate their midfielder very highly, as they’ve reflected through Rios’ eye-watering release clause of €100m (£85m).
Wolves would never pay a fee so high for one player, but that doesn’t mean that the Old Gold won’t be tempted to revisit the winter target this summer.
There is a curveball given how crucial Joao Gomes and Andre’s pivot has been for Wolves, making it difficult to envision where Rios would fit into the starting XI.
Added to that, the Colombian’s opening Club World Cup performance could lure clubs to explore his availability after the tournament.
Only time will tell if Wolves regret not being able to secure a deal for the midfielder in January, with his talent on show for all to see.