Vitor Pereira has revealed that he was unaware that Ki-Jana Hoever was a Wolverhampton Wanderers player.
The Portuguese and his first-team squad are currently preparing to face Manchester City on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.
Acquiring a replacement for Nelson Semedo at right wing-back has been a priority for Wolves and Hellas Verona's Jackson Tchatchoua is seemingly on his way to Molineux.
However, Hoever will get the nod in that role on Saturday evening having been reintegrated into the squad after a number of loan spells elsewhere, most recently at Auxerre.
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Ki-Jana Hoever in July 2025.
Pereira makes Hoever revelation
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Pereira confessed that he did not know that the former Liverpool youngster was contracted to Wolves.
He said, as quoted by BBC Sport: "I like him. It was a good surprise for me because I didn't know that he was our player."
"I was looking for a wing-back. Luis called me, we have a player there in France. It's important to see him in pre-season."
"He has the technique that I like. He's fast, attacking the space, very calm, good decisions."
Hoever can claim to have enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career with Auxerre, making a total of 26 starts and four substitute outings in Ligue 1.
Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Vitor Pereira in December 2024.
Wolves left to make decision on Hoever
Most Wolves fans will have concerns over whether Hoever can become a success at Wolves when he has not made a competitive appearance since 2021-22.
With less than a year remaining on the Dutchman's contract, cashing in on the 23-year-old would make financial sense.
Nevertheless, it appears that Pereira views Hoever as one of his two right wing-backs for the season, with Pedro Lima seemingly likely to go out on loan.
Hoever has made just 20 Premier League appearances in his career, his last coming at the start of March 2022.
Furthermore, Hoever has only featured in three top-flight wins for Wolves, just one of them coming from the start and the wins in question being against Fulham, Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton.
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