Premier League strugglers Wolves have named former Porto manager Vitor Pereira as their new head coach.
The experienced Portuguese tactician joins the club on an 18-month contract from Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab, with Wolves paying approximately £825,000 in compensation for his release.
Pereira replaces Gary O’Neil, who was dismissed on Sunday following a 2-1 loss to Ipswich that left Wolves second-bottom in the Premier League standings.
The 56-year-old oversaw his first training session on Thursday, ahead of Wolves’ crucial match against Leicester City on Sunday. Leicester, currently in 17th place, sit five points ahead of Wolves.
Wolves had been exploring managerial options for several weeks, considering candidates such as former West Ham boss David Moyes.
Pereira emerged as the leading contender, bringing with him an impressive track record, including two Primeira Liga titles with Porto (2012, 2013) and the Greek Super League crown with Olympiakos in 2015.
Pereira had been managing Al-Shabab since February, guiding them to sixth place in the Saudi Pro League before his departure.
He now takes over a Wolves side in crisis, having lost 11 of their 16 league games this season. With only two wins—against Southampton and Fulham—the club’s seven-year tenure in the top flight is under serious threat.
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said: “Vitor is a highly respected and experienced coach who has achieved success across different leagues and will bring a new approach for the test ahead.
“This is a challenging moment for the club, and we want to thank Vitor for taking on this responsibility.
“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.”
