Wolves make decision on next manager after Gary O'Neil sacking

Wolves are set to appoint Vitor Pereira as their new head coach after agreeing an 18-month deal with the Portuguese, the PA news agency understands

Wolves are poised to name Vitor Pereira as their new head coach, having agreed an 18-month contract with the Portuguese, according to PA news agency.

Pereira, who is currently at the helm of Al Shabab, will step in for Gary O’Neil, who was dismissed after Saturday’s crushing 2-1 Premier League loss to Ipswich, leaving Wolves just five points above the relegation zone.

The 56 year old has signed a deal until the end of the 2025/26 season, with Wolves agreeing to compensate the Saudi Pro League team. An official announcement is anticipated within the next 24 hours, and his first match in charge will be a crucial encounter against Leicester on Sunday.

Pereira, who has won league titles in Portugal, Greece and China during his extensive managerial career, was nearly appointed Everton manager in 2022, succeeding Rafael Benitez. However, he was overlooked in favour of Frank Lampard following fan protests against his potential appointment, with 'Pereira out, Lampard in' graffiti appearing on a wall at Goodison Park.

But it seems he is now destined for a Premier League role and would become the third Portuguese manager to lead Wolves, following Nuno Espirito Santo and Bruno Lage, as agent Jorge Mendes continues to wield influence at Molineux.

O’Neil was let go after Saturday’s defeat – Wolves’ fourth consecutive loss – which left them second from bottom in the English top flight with just nine points from 16 games.

Unpleasant scenes unfolded at the end of the match when Rayan Ait-Nouri was given a second yellow card and Matheus Cunha found himself in a dispute with Ipswich staff. This incident resulted in him being charged by the Football Association on Tuesday.