Report: Wolves Could Pull Off Another Joao Gomes-Like Coup Following Club World Cup Scouting Success
Wolverhampton Wanderers appear to be doubling down on their recruitment strategy in Brazil, as the club’s interest in emerging South American talent continues to grow. Following the success of midfield dynamo Joao Gomes, Wolves may be about to repeat history by pursuing yet another rising star from Flamengo—this time in the form of exciting youngster Wallace Yan.
Brazil Remains a Key Scouting Destination for Wolves
The Brazilian market has proven fruitful for Wolves in recent years. The club’s links with South America, particularly through the scouting network tied to their ownership group Fosun, have already yielded notable results. Joao Gomes, who arrived at Molineux from Flamengo in 2023, quickly adapted to life in the Premier League and has been hailed as one of the club’s most astute signings in recent memory. Similarly, the acquisition of Andre helped reinforce the midfield ranks.
This summer, the Midlands club appears keen to return to familiar territory. Reports suggest that Wolves are monitoring several Brazilian prospects, including Richard Rios and Lucas Ferreira of São Paulo. These names hint at an increasingly ambitious push to bring in youthful, technically gifted talent from one of football’s most talent-rich nations.
Wallace Yan Emerges as Latest Brazilian Prospect on Wolves’ Radar
According to Brazilian outlet Sou Rubro-negro de Coração, Wolves have set their sights on another Flamengo starlet—20-year-old forward Wallace Yan. The report states that Wolves scouts were particularly impressed by Yan’s brief but impactful appearance against Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite being on the pitch for just eight minutes, Yan managed to score Flamengo’s third goal, sealing an unexpected victory over the Premier League giants and firmly placing himself in the spotlight.
The youngster’s goal-scoring cameo served as a powerful introduction to European scouts and highlighted his potential to deliver under pressure on the big stage. For Wolves, who value players with both technical flair and mental fortitude, Yan’s performance may have significantly boosted his appeal.
Caution Required as Yan Remains Raw and Inexperienced
However, while Wallace Yan’s potential is undeniable, there are also reasons for Wolves to tread carefully. At just 20 years old and with only 16 senior appearances to his name for Flamengo, the forward remains largely untested at the top level. His developmental curve is still steep, and questions remain about whether he is ready to handle the physical demands and tactical intensity of the Premier League.
Despite this, his early signs of promise are hard to ignore. Yan has displayed composure in front of goal, positional intelligence, and a knack for influencing games from the bench—all of which hint at a bright future.
A Future Investment Rather Than an Immediate Solution?
Given his inexperience, Wolves’ recruitment team may be hesitant to push for a move as early as this summer. Instead, the club may choose to adopt a patient approach—continuing to monitor Yan’s development over the course of the 2024/25 season before deciding whether to table a formal offer. This would mirror their approach with Joao Gomes, whose potential was closely tracked before the club eventually secured his services in what proved to be a smart and well-timed acquisition.
Moreover, such a strategy would also give Yan the necessary time to gain more experience in Brazil’s top flight, possibly even featuring in more international club competitions, further enhancing his maturity and readiness for the challenges of English football.
Wolves’ South American Strategy Shows Long-Term Vision
Wolves’ ongoing interest in South American talent signals a broader, long-term strategy aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of stars before their value skyrockets. The recruitment of Joao Gomes is now seen as a masterstroke, and if Wallace Yan’s trajectory follows a similar path, Wolves could once again find themselves with a gem on their hands.
While a move for Yan this summer may be premature, his name is certainly one to remember. If he continues to grow and impress, especially on the international stage, it’s only a matter of time before Wolves—or another European side—make a serious attempt to bring him to the continent.