)
Blow for Stade Reims as their star defender departs in a Ksh 2.6 billion move to the Premier League.
Ivory Coast international Emmanuel Agbadou has sealed a sensational Ksh 2.6 billion (£16.6m) transfer to English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, leaving French club Stade Reims.
The towering 27-year-old centre-back has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Wolves, which includes an option for an additional year, making him the first signing under new manager Vitor Pereira.
The move sees Agbadou become a key addition to a Wolves side desperate to strengthen their defensive line.
)
18:21 - 09.01.2025
Benni McCarthy: Former Kenyan star sets one condition that must be met if South African legend lands Harambee Stars job
Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy is reported to have agreed to take over as Harambee Stars coach but an ex-Kenyan international has made certain demands before his appointment.
Currently hovering just above the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference, Wolves have conceded a league-high 45 goals this season.
Agbadou is expected to bring much-needed solidity at the back as the club fights to climb the table.
“Emmanuel’s a winner, and he’s driven,” said Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs, who praised the defender’s resilience and determination.
“After the journey he’s had, he’s still unbelievably hungry. He’s the type of player the Wolves fans should love because you’re going to get absolutely everything he’s got.”
)
12:25 - 09.01.2025
Clement Mzize in focus: How Yanga’s talented forward is turning heads across Africa
Tanzania Premier League giants Yanga have unearthed a rising star in Clement Mzize, whose brilliance is captivating African football.
Hobbs also highlighted how crucial it was for Wolves to act quickly in the January transfer window, given the tight schedule.
“When Vitor came in, it’s the first conversation we had, to add one quick. There are so many games in January, so you can’t afford to waste a month. We have to use this month to be as efficient as possible, and we’re really excited about this signing.”
Agbadou’s departure from Reims marks the end of a successful two-and-a-half-year stint at the Ligue 1 club, where he made 76 appearances and scored three goals.
He joined Reims in 2022 from Belgian side KAS Eupen and quickly established himself as a key player in the heart of their defense.
)
11:26 - 09.01.2025
Harambee Stars prospect returns to Everton after injury blow at Stockport
England-born Kenyan midfielder has returned from his loan spell after sustaining a hamstring injury, now focusing on rehabilitation.
This season, Reims sit 11th in the Ligue 1 table, eight points behind the European places, but Agbadou’s contribution has been instrumental in their competitive performances.
For Kenyan fans, the move also draws attention to Joseph Okumu, Agbadou’s teammate at Stade Reims and a standout defender for both club and the Kenya national team.
While Okumu remains a vital figure in the Reims lineup, Agbadou’s high-profile transfer to the Premier League underscores the increasing recognition of talent emerging from the French league.
The Ivorian defender’s arrival at Wolves has also shifted the club’s transfer priorities, effectively ending their interest in Lens defender Kevin Danso.
Wolves had been searching for reinforcements since the summer departure of captain Max Kilman to West Ham for £40m and the season-ending knee injury suffered by Yerson Mosquera in September.
)
10:46 - 08.01.2025
Omar Marmoush: 5 things you should know about Frankfurt’s rising star linked to Manchester City
Manchester City are closely monitoring the rapid rise of an Egyptian-Canadian forward unexpectedly lighting up the Bundesliga with sensational performances.
Agbadou joins Wolves at a challenging time, with the club’s most recent league outing resulting in a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Despite their defensive struggles, Wolves boast the eighth-best attacking record in the league, having scored 31 goals so far this season.
Agbadou’s physicality, composure, and aerial prowess are expected to complement the team’s attacking strengths and provide the defensive stability needed to navigate a demanding season.
The Ivorian is set to make his debut soon, as Wolves face Bristol City in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, followed by a critical league encounter against Newcastle United on January 15.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
![[VIDEO] Updated progress of Kasarani Stadium ahead of January 20 CAF submittion deadline for CHAN 2024](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/09012025/d3486617-2bc0-4d30-b0df-7a99641620d5.jpeg?operations=fit(600:))
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)