Fan Arrested for Racist Abuse of Rio Ferdinand at Wolves vs. Manchester United
May 23, 2021
Former English footballer and BT Sport's television pundit Rio Ferdinand looks on before the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on January 16, 2021. (Photo by CARL RECINE / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CARL RECINE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
A fan was arrested during Sunday's match between Manchester United and Wolves at Molineux Stadium after racially abusing former United and England defender Rio Ferdinand, per ESPN.
Ferdinand addressed the situation on Twitter after the match:
The last couple weeks, it’s been unreal to see fans back. However
To the Wolves fan who has just been thrown out for doing a monkey chant at me. You need to be dismissed from football & educated. Come meet me & I will help you understand what it feels like to be racially abused!
"The fan has been arrested and is currently in custody," the West Midlands Police Department responded in a tweet. "We DO NOT tolerate racist abuse."
ESPN also reported that Wolverhampton fans booed the players while they took a knee before the game in protest of racism.
"It is disappointing. People have waited all these months, over a year, to get back in a stadium and then you come in with ignorance like that. Uncalled for, not needed, not warranted and disappointed really," Ferdinand told BT Sport after the match.
"But listen, that's just a very small minority in this stand that was doing it. We were having banter with the fans and stuff. The emotion and atmosphere they created today was fantastic and that is just one person who is trying to ruin it for everyone."
"I'd love to meet up with the fella and just educate him a little bit.
"Punishing people without education isn't the way forward."@rioferdy5 offers his thoughts and feelings on a shameful racist incident at Molineux.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 23, 2021
As ESPN noted, a number of current Premier League players have faced racist abuse online this season, including Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
And eight men were arrested and four others questioned after allegedly abusing Tottenham's Heung-Min Son online, per the AFP (h/t Yahoo Sports).
Soccer players and clubs in various English leagues boycotted social media for four days in April to protest racist abuse, along with many players taking a knee before games, an homage to former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's pregame protest of police brutality and racial discrimination in 2016.
How Wolves Plan to Keep Big Names and Be Ready for Champions League Football
Jul 2, 2020
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-1 with Adama Traore during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool FC at Molineux on January 23, 2020 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sam Bagnall - AMA/Getty Images)
As Wolverhampton Wanderers sit on the fringes of a UEFA Champions League position, it is easy to imagine this is as good as it gets.
But for those involved at the club, this is seen as just the beginning.
Star names Raul Jimenez, Adama Traore and Ruben Neves will all be linked with Europe's elite this summer, and manager Nuno Espirito Santo will be touted for top jobs across the continent. Yet there will be no panic at Molineux and little temptation to cash in and accept they have reached the summit.
On Saturday, they face Arsenal in a clash that can encourage their top-four push—but more telling could be their clash on the final day of the campaign against Chelsea. That fixture might yet decide whether they earn a Champions League spot.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Portuguese head coach Nuno Espirito Santo shouts from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at The London Stadium, in east London on June 20, 2020. (Phot
Wolves have another path into next season's competition if it doesn't work out—they are still in the UEFA Europa League and face Olympiacos in the round of 16 in August.
If they do make it into the Champions League, a whole new world of opportunity will open up: new signings, new sponsorship opportunities and new supporters across the globe thanks to a fresh appeal.
This was always the dream of owners involved with Fosun International Ltd when they took over the club in 2016. Back then, sources were declaring that a new era was on the horizon in Wolverhampton. The buyout had cost £45 million but so much more investment was to come.
In 2017, a report in the Sunday People from Neil Moxley revealed how Nuno had been promised "limitless" funds in order to bring Champions League football to Wolves.
The Shanghai-based investment company, with links to super-agent Jorge Mendes, has indeed spent heavily since those early days, and success was quick to follow. They were promoted to the Premier League in 2018—a year earlier than they had planned—and now they are reaping the rewards of their ambitious vision.
Wolves have been growing their global brand even without Champions League football. Jimenez has brought thousands of Mexican supporters to the club's social channels, and the club's Spanish Twitter page has more than 100,000 followers. In China, they have a club shop, with merchandise specifically designed for that market.
Their official content is published in four languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin. The club is targeting the U.S. market as the next priority.
The off-field success will come more naturally if Wolves manage to secure Champions League football. Their form since the season restarted has been emphatic: three games, three wins, three clean sheets.
—Scored in both games since the restart —Became Mexico’s leading scorer in a single Premier League season —Wolves chasing a Champions League spot @Raul_Jimenez9 is having a season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/InBtflJ2ak
They are determined to ensure this side does not soon fall prey to the biggest clubs in Europe.
In terms of the star names, Manchester City-linked Neves signed a five-year contract in 2018, and insiders are suggesting that an improved offer will be on the table for him this summer. Traore has been linked with Barcelona but has formed a great bond with the coaching staff and could also be in line for a new contract in the coming months to convince him there is no need to leave.
Star striker Jimenez is being pursued by Manchester United and Juventus, but his £90 million price tag will either scare off bidders or gives Wolves sufficient cash to replace him. Wolves have little interest in negotiating below that figure and are confident Champions League football would convince him to stay longer.
Nuno has one year remaining on his contract, but talks are continuing over a new agreement, with the expectation being that he will commit to staying.
The Wolves hierarchy is only focused on viewing the positives of building this team, so on top of securing the services of the current side, we should also expect more signings.
Names are being closely guarded, though you can be sure Mendes' influence will be key.
One position we have been told the club will prioritise is the centre of defence, and Ruben Dias of Benfica—one of the most sought-after young players in Europe—is one of their targets, sources revealed to B/R.
How ambitious they can be with other transfers may depend on whether they make the top four—or top five depending on how Man City's appeal against a Champions League ban goes.
Results in July and August will determine whether Wolves can take the giant step into new territory, but one thing for sure is that none of this is a fluke.
Wolves have been plotting this ascent, with no ceiling on just how far they can go.
It is time to take their rise very seriously. They will not rest until they are among Europe's elite.
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Adama Traore Says He Would Return to Barcelona or Join Rivals Real Madrid
Jan 22, 2020
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Adama Traore of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Mary's Stadium on January 18, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore has suggested he would rejoin Barcelona if the opportunity arose, although he'd also have no issue swapping El Clasico colours if Real Madrid came calling.
Catalan native Traore joined Barcelona's La Masia academy at the age of eight and eventually left for Aston Villa in 2015, joining Wolves three years later via Middlesbrough.
When asked about a potential return to Spain, he told El Larguero (h/t Football Espana): "A return to Barca? I don't bear any grudges. But equally, if Real Madrid called me I would go there too. I was (at Barcelona) for 10 years, and I have very good memories."
Traore played a pivotal role in guiding Wolves to victory from two goals down away to Southampton on Saturday, assisting twice as Nuno Espirito Santo's side came back to win 3-2 at St. Mary's Stadium:
The 23-year-old also sparkled in Wolves' 3-2 comeback win over 10-man Manchester City in December when he scored one goal and assisted another.
Statman Dave hailed the speedster's contribution during the south-coast comeback and suggested the player has added a sense of composure that was previously considered to be lacking:
Despite his evolution at Molineux since he moved to Wolverhampton in August 2018, there may still be doubts as to whether he's ready to shine for La Liga's top clubs.
Traore has grown into a unique commodity since he left the Blaugrana, whom he represented four times in total. His staggering upper-body strength in combination with blistering pace makes him difficult to defend.
Barcelona have been without the services of their own winger, Ousmane Dembele, for the majority of this season with a recurring hamstring injury.
Commentator Andy West spoke highly of the France international's influence from the right flank as he approaches a return to fitness:
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Barça won't win the Champions League (and perhaps this season La Liga too) without a big contribution from Ousmane Dembele. He gives a counter-attacking presence otherwise missing. Makes them a different team against the high press
Real would also have to consider their current options on the right before they could make any move for Traore, who would be competing with the likes of Rodrygo, Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale in Madrid.
The former Spain under-21 international might stand a better chance of earning his senior debut for La Roja if he were to return to La Liga.
Traore has enjoyed the best years of his senior career to date in England, and he hopes to have his greatest impact of the season so far when Wolves host Premier League leaders Liverpool on Thursday.
Adama Traore Was Approached by NFL Teams at Barcelona, Says Wolves' Roman Saiss
Jan 7, 2020
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Adama Traore of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the FA Cup Third Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on January 4, 2020 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Adama Traore was approached by NFL teams during his time at Barcelona, according to his team-mate Roman Saiss.
Traore has been one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League this season, with his stunning acceleration and dribbling skills making him almost impossible for defenders to stop at full flight.
The winger spent the early years of his career at Barcelona, before he moved to England to play for Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. Speaking about his team-mate, Saiss said Traore had the chance to change sports during his time with the Catalan club, per RMC Sport (h/t Sacha Pisani of Goal):
"I see him every day, because we are in the gym together, before or after training. Maybe he has a hidden gym room in his house, but at training, in any case, he never pumps iron, whether it is bench press or otherwise. He is huge and very quick.
"I remember saying to him: 'You run like an American footballer.' He responded to me that at the time that he played in Barcelona, NFL teams tried to get him to playing American football instead, that's how explosive he was.
"There are people who say that it is not possible, that he cannot be playing football."
Traore's physique has attracted plenty of attention this term, but he says it's all natural:
There have been some stellar performances from Traore in the Premier League this season, although his two-goal display in the 2-0 win at Manchester City was a standout, with the 23-year-old showing how much of a threat he can be on the counter-attack:
Earlier in his career, Traore was unable to marry his explosiveness with composure in the final third. This season, he's been able to refine that aspect of his game and has made major improvements overall.
Ted Knutson of StatsBomb said he still wants to see more consistency from the Wolves winger over the course of a campaign:
Now Traore is a first-team regular in a Wolves team that is seeking to break the top four; after consecutive defeats, they are in seventh place in the table and trail Chelsea by six points.
Given his ability and speed, Traore would have no doubt thrived in the NFL had he changed sports. However, there's a sense that Traore is well on his way to living up to the potential he showcased early in his career at Barcelona.
Nuno Espirito Santo Says Jesus Vallejo Will Return to Real Madrid
Jan 3, 2020
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Jesus Vallejo of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Villa Park on October 30, 2019 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed Jesus Vallejo likely will return to parent club Real Madrid in January, and another loan deal for the talent seems likely.
Per AS English, the defender hasn't played nearly enough during his loan spell in England, and Nuno seemed to confirm rumours Vallejo will be returning to the Spanish capital:
"I'm going to be clear: Jesus probably is going because he wants to play. He's a young and talented player that we brought here with high expectations, but it didn't work out. It's time for him to go and find a club where he can play and keep on progressing because the talent is there.
"It's based on reality. He had moments that he played, moments that he performed well, and some moments he didn't perform well. That's the case of Vallejo.
"Clearly, it didn't work out. When things don't work out, you have to look at yourself as a coaching staff. How can you make things work for the best? Sometimes you don't have time, it's three parts: you, the player, the clubs, all these things."
Nuno Espirito Santo on defender Jesus Vallejo loan from Real Madrid being cut short...
Vallejo emerged as a top prospect at Zaragoza and was plucked away by Los Blancos in 2015. He returned to his former club on loan and then had a breakout campaign at Eintracht Frankfurt in 2016-17, fueling hopes he could soon break into the Real starting XI.
But his career and progression have stalled since, and he made just four starts in La Liga last season. That prompted Real to send him on loan again.
While things haven't worked out in the last few seasons, it's easy to see why Real haven't given up hope he'll come good yet. Vallejo's lone campaign in the Bundesliga was phenomenal, and even saw him nominated for a spot in the team of the season:
While his progression has stalled since, the lack of consistent playing time has been a major factor. A bigger role elsewhere may just be what he needs to get back on track, before finally getting his break at Real.
Leganes are in the relegation zone in La Liga and have one of the worst defensive records in the division, with 30 goals conceded. Only Espanyol, Mallorca and Real Betis have done worse so far.
Los Pepineros are desperate for defensive reinforcements and would likely insert the youngster into their starting XI right away.
Wolves' Adama Traore Talks Barcelona Exit, Would Not Rule out Real Madrid Move
Dec 31, 2019
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: Adama Traore of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-2 during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City at Molineux on December 27, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)
Traore came through Barcelona's La Masia academy, where he spent 11 years before joining Aston Villa in 2015.
He told Jugones (h/t Goal's Ryan Benson) he would have no qualms about joining their rivals, although it seems he would prefer a move back to the Camp Nou: "If I do not have the option of Barca and I have to go to Real Madrid, I do not close any doors."
Asked about returning to his native Spain, he added: "Yes, why not. But I made a promise to become one of the best in England."
The 23-year-old joined Barcelona as a child in 2004. He made 63 appearances for Barca's B team but just four senior appearances.
On his departure from the club, he said: "There was a misunderstanding with Barca. Something happened that I didn't like, but I prefer to keep it for myself."
The winger spent a year with Aston Villa, but injuries restricted him to just 12 first-team outings in that time. He joined Middlesbrough in 2016 and contributed five goals and 13 assists in 71 appearances before moving to Wolves in 2018.
Traore's biggest strength has always been his incredible pace, but he's often struggled for an end product.
Per The Athletic's Tim Spiers, Traore has finally matched the two this season:
With Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi both 32, Barca don't have as much pace in the final third as they used to. Ousmane Dembele is their quickest attacking asset, but hamstring injuries have limited him to just nine appearances this season.
Traore plays on the right, though, so unless he's able to be similarly effective on the left flank, a return to Barca would be complicated by the fact that he and Messi both operate in that area.
As for Real, he could serve as a long-term replacement for Gareth Bale at the Santiago Bernabeu, as the 30-year-old isn't quite as explosive as he once was.
However, before a potential step up to a more illustrious club, Traore still needs to show he can sustain his productivity at Wolves over a longer period than half a season.
Patrick Cutrone Completes Reported $20M Transfer to Wolves from Milan
Jul 30, 2019
AC Milan's forward Patrick Cutrone reacts during the Italian Serie A football match between Torino and AC Milan on April 28, 2019 at the Grande Torino stadium in Turin. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP/Getty Images)
AC Milan wished Patrick Cutrone "a special thank you" and "a big good luck" as the striker completed his move to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.
The Rossoneri confirmed Cutrone had moved on via a statement on the club's official website. Cutrone, 21 underwent a medical and is said to have signed a four-year contract with Wolves, for €18 million and a further €4 million in bonuses, per Football Italia.
We’re delighted to announce that Patrick Cutrone has become our latest summer signing! #WelcomeCutrone
Wolves sporting director Kevin Thelwell told the Premier League side's official website (h/t Football Italia) how "Patrick is an exciting signing at a very exciting period for this football club."
Thelwell also noted how this signing continues Wolves' recent habit of "developing young talent" under the stewardship of manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
The latter guided Wolves to seventh in England's top flight last season one season after earning promotion from the Championship. Shrewd buys like the initial loan of striker Raul Jimenez from Benfica, formed the platform to help Wolves mix it with the big boys.
Adding Cutrone gives Santo one more gifted attacking option for a versatile forward line. The Italian will join Jimenez, who made his loan permanent in a£30 millionswitch, and Diogo Jota, who netted nine league goals and provided five assists last term.
Jota is still 22 and a rising star, while Cutrone still needs to prove he can reach his undoubted potential.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 30, 2019
A return of three goals and two assists from 12 starts and 22 substitute appearances in Serie A last season proves there is ability, and not everybody is impressed with Milan's decision to move the forward on so soon:
Cutrone reminds me of the Locatelli situation, Milan have previous here in wanting bigger names and bigger headlines, it often doesn't work and I don't expect Correa to set the world on fire. Rafael Leao looks an exciting signing, but Cutrone should be staying with him.
If Cutrone can earn starts early, he will help make Wolves even more effective on the break. He'll also boost the strength in depth of a squad now trying to negotiate the demands of European football and a place in the UEFA Europa League.
Ruben Neves Hints at Wolves Stay Amid Liverpool, Manchester City Rumours
According to Dave Armitageof theDaily Star, the Reds and City are among a number of "elite" clubs in the Premier League and Europe who are eyeing him ahead of the summer transfer window.
However, he told Wolves' official website (h/t Armitage): "Thank you for the support, thank you all. I can't wait for us again next season to do things well."
Neves scored five goals and assisted four in 40 appearances in all competitions this season, helping Wolves take 16 points off the Premier League's top six and finish seventh.
The 22-year-old reflected positively on the campaign:
"It's been a tremendous year for the club. Tremendous for us, players, staff, all the fans, I think it was a great season.
"We achieved seventh place in our first year in the Premier League, which is a great result for a team that came from Championship. It isn't easy.
"We have the feeling of mission accomplished. We did a great season, with good and bad moments, but always with the focus on our goal.
"Two years ago we started in the Championship. This year we moved to the Premier League and we have already shown that we have the capacity to fight for the highest places. That should continue to be our goal—improve every day."
Neves was a key player for Wolves alongside compatriot Joao Moutinho in midfield, and Adam Jones of the Liverpool Echo felt he was unfortunate to be overlooked for the PFA's Premier League Team of the Year:
A bit mad that Pogba gets into this team when someone like Ruben Neves, who is widely considered to have played even above his high expectations this season, misses out https://t.co/cZcj2Azh84
Liverpool have Fabinho and Jordan Henderson among their options in Neves' position, so he's not a player who's desperately needed at Anfield this summer.
City are in need of a successor to 34-year-old Fernandinho, however, and Neves could make for a strong choice given he's only likely to get better with age.
Wolves are an exciting project, though, and could find themselves challenging for a place in the Premier League's top six next season.
If Neves continues to excel, he'll likely want UEFA Champions League football at some point down the line, but for the time being, it's understandable he might want to stay put.
Raul Jimenez Signs 4-Year Contract to Join Wolves for Reported £30M Fee
Apr 4, 2019
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on April 2, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Raul Jimenez on Thursday signed a four-year contract to join Wolverhampton Wanderers permanently from Benfica.
The club announced the 27-year-old's capture via its official website and Twitter account:
According to Sky Sports, Wolves have paid a fee thought to be around £30 million, far surpassing the club-record £18 million spent on Adama Traore last year.
The Mexico international had been on loan from Benfica for the season, and he has returned 15 goals and eight assists in 37 appearances across all competitions for Nuno Espirito Santo's side.
His efforts have helped Wolves to seventh place in the Premier League and to the semi-final of the FA Cup, in which they will take on Watford on Sunday.
Jimenez has not only been prolific in front of goal, but he has also been excellent at linking play in the final third, forming a potent partnership with fellow attacker Diogo Jota.
Manchester United found that out to their detriment on Wednesday, when they lost 2-1 at Molineux for the second time in a matter of weeks, with Jimenez providing a lovely assist for his team-mate:
Excellent win for Wolves. Played on United's weaknesses. Jota & Jimenez again instrumental, twice now they've battered Solskjaer's defence with pace, movement & workrate. Partnership gets better & better. #WWFC
It was not the first time he's made an impact against a top side this season, either.
He scored against United in the FA Cup quarter-finals in March, and he has also found the net against Liverpool in the third round. Further goals came in home and away fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the Premier League.
With Wolves hoping to close the gap to the top six next season, Jimenez's contributions in the final third will give them a strong platform to build on if he can be similarly productive.
