Fakayejo Paul
WOLVERHAMPTON, UK – Wolverhampton Wanderers are finalizing the appointment of Rob Edwards as their new head coach, with an official confirmation expected early next week.
The former Wolves player and coach will return to Molineux on a long-term contract following the dismissal of Vítor Pereira.
Long-Term Deal Agreed
Sources indicate that Edwards has agreed to take charge of the Premier League strugglers on a contract valid until June 2029.
This lengthy commitment signals the club’s confidence in Edwards as a manager for the future, regardless of whether he manages to steer the team away from relegation this season.
The club’s ownership, Fosun, has long admired the 42-year-old, who previously made over 100 appearances for the club as a player and had a brief spell as interim coach in 2016.
Edwards will inherit a team that is currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, having secured just two points from their first 11 fixtures.
£3 Million Compensation to Middlesbrough
To secure their target, Wolves agreed to a compensation package with Championship side Middlesbrough.
Reports suggest the fee agreed is in the region of £2 million to £3 million, payable to Boro to release Edwards from the three-year contract he signed with them just six months ago.
Middlesbrough initially rejected Wolves’ approach but reluctantly granted permission for Edwards to speak with his former club after the coach expressed his desire to take the Premier League job.
The Immediate Challenge
Edwards faces one of the most demanding tasks in the Premier League. Wolves are currently eight points adrift of safety, and no team with their current points tally at this stage of the season has ever avoided the drop.
His immediate focus will be on instilling the energy and defensive organization that made him successful in his previous roles, beginning with the crucial fixtures leading up to the busy festive period.