Wolves could land £17m star with ‘huge amount of talent’

Recently, everything has changed Wolverhampton Wanderers. They ended a poor 2024 by sacking former manager Gary O’Neil and replacing him with experienced Vitor Pereira.

The Portuguese manager has made a great start to life at Molineux, winning twice, drawing once and losing one of his the first four main games. Overall, he made a positive start and Staro zlato is now outside the relegation zone.

As is often the case under a new manager, there were changes in the squad, with certain players falling out of favour. This was certainly the situation for Marija Lemina under Pereira.

Lema’s season 2024/25

When it comes to all the changes for Wolves over the last few weeks, perhaps no player can relate to it more than Lemina. It has been a busy time for the Gabonese midfielder, starting with his dismissal as captain when O’Neil was manager.

The fight between Lemina and Bowen broke out during Old Gold’s defeat away at West Ham in December, which “sparked the conversation” about a change of captaincy, according to O’Neil.

With a new manager in place, things got off to a slow start for the former Wolves captain. AND calf strain prevented him Pereira’s first three games in charge, and could only make a brief appearance off the bench against Nottingham Forest in a 3-0 defeat at Molineux.

But it was a great opportunity to impress Birmingham Live reporter Charlie Haffenden he didn’t seem to think Lemina was playing too well. He gave the Wolves midfielder 4/10 for his effort, explaining that he ‘couldn’t have defended much worse’ for Taiwo Awoniyi’s strike, which was Forest’s third of the night.

All the things that happened in the past few months could leave Lemina – which is allegedly wants to move on – in an interesting position at Wolves, and certainly not a guaranteed starter. His role in the team could become even more questionable with the Old Gold targeting a new midfielder.

Wolves could get the perfect Lemina upgrade

It is about the Colombian player Richard Rios. According to a report by the Brazilian news agency RTI – which emerged over the weekend – Staro zlato are interested in signing the midfielder, who is highly rated by Pereira.

The price is not clear, but Manchester United is reportedly offered £17 million for the 24-year-old Palmeiras player during the summer. If Wolves decide to make a move, they could face competition from Fulham, who are also interested.

The Colombia star was key for Palmeiras during last season. He has played 49 games in all competitions, scored four times and registered five assists. He also played a key role in his country’s selection for the 2024 Copa America finals, where he is started all six their games.

Like Lemina, Rios is a valuable attacking midfielder. However, his greatest strengths lie on the ball. The Colombian is elegant with the ball at his feet and is also a progressive and creative midfielder.

According to statistics on FBrefhe would certainly be an upgrade on the former Wolves captain. For example, the 24-year-old averages 1.39 progressive carries and 5.31 progressive passes per game, compared to Lema’s 0.59 progressive carries and 3.22 progressive passes.

Without the ball, they are statistically closer, but Rios averages more clearances per 90 minutes than the Gabonese international. Specifically, he makes 6.55 compared to 4.8 for Wolves.

A deal to bring Rios to Molineux doesn’t appear to break the bank for Wolves. At just £17m or so, it’s an affordable price to upgrade the midfield by signing a 24-year-old who has “a huge amount of talent”, as football analyst Ben Mattinson said.

If this is a deal that Old Gold can get over the line, it will certainly strengthen Pereira’s side and increase their chances of survival.