MusaVitor Pereira may have wondered what Wolves’ goal in the Club World Cup just did.
Several former Wolves players are in the running for the Club World Cup, as 32 teams battle it out to be crowned the world’s best.
The tournament has started in style with 17 goals in the first five matches, with the former Wolf making his mark.
Ballon d’Or candidate Vitinha scored in Paris Saint-Germain’s opening win over Atletico Madrid, but the midfielder is not the only player Wolves are said to be interested in.
Wolves target star Richard Rios in Club World Cup opener
In January, Pereira wasted no time in finding a replacement in midfield for the fallen midfielder Mario Lemina.
Richard Rios, who Wolves wanted in the winter transfer window, has been named as a possible replacement.
Several Premier League clubs watched the Colombian international, who ultimately stayed at Palmeiras as the Brazilian side were unwilling to let him go.
After Rios’ opening performance at the Club World Cup, it’s no surprise that Palmeiras were reluctant to let him go, just as it’s no surprise that Pereira was keen to sign him.
Richard Rios vs FC Porto
1 key pass
100% long balls
3 shots
3 successful dribbles
6 match wins
4 defensive tackles
While watching Rios in action against FC Porto, journalist Zach Lowy shared his belief that the 25-year-old has “everything you want in a box-to-box midfielder”, and his numbers revealed why.
In 87 minutes against Porto, the midfielder displayed a masterclass in both defence and attack in the middle of the park.
Rios had it all, from winning tackles to playing the ball and moving forward, making it perfectly clear why Pereira wanted to bring him to Molineux.
Wolves could be chasing Rios again
Palmeiras rightly value their midfielder highly, as evidenced by Rios’ eye-catching €100m (£85m) buyout clause.
Wolves would never pay such a high fee for the player, but that doesn’t mean the Old Lady won’t be tempted to return to their winter target this summer.
Given how crucial Joao Gomes and Andres’ pivot have been for Wolves, there’s a curveball that makes it difficult to imagine where Rios would fit into the starting XI.
In addition, the Colombian’s opening appearance at the Club World Cup could tempt clubs to explore his availability after the tournament.
Only time will tell whether Wolves regret failing to secure a deal for the midfielder in January, with his talent on display for all to see.
Kwaghterna Garshagu
Musa
