Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Jhon Arias is likely heading for an early departure from Molineux, as Brazilian club Palmeiras has made a bid of around £21.5 million for him. While the transfer isn’t finalized, it seems increasingly probable that it will be completed before the Brazilian transfer window closes in March, as reported by Liam Keen from the Express & Star.
Jhon Arias Set For A Return To Brazil
A Good Deal For Wolves
An interesting aspect of this potential transfer is the financial benefit for Wolves. Keen notes that none of the performance-related bonuses from Arias’s initial move to Wolves have been utilized, meaning that if this deal goes through at the stated fee, Wolves stands to gain around £6.8 million on a player who hasn’t performed as expected in England.
Wolves acquired the Colombian for about £14.7 million last summer, and there were additional incentives based on on-field success that were not achieved. This situation provides the club with a favorable opportunity for a sale.
Arias’ Wolves Numbers
Statistically, Arias’s performance in England has been lackluster. The 28-year-old has played in 23 Premier League matches, scoring two goals and registering one assist across all competitions this season. Despite having good technical skills and a strong work ethic, he has averaged fewer than two shots per game and has not been able to match the attacking contributions he made while playing in Brazil. This has been disappointing, especially considering he was labeled a “dangerous player” by former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka.
With Palmeiras showing strong interest in enhancing their squad during the open Brazilian transfer window, and discussions ongoing between the two clubs and Arias’s agents, it seems a move back to South America is on the horizon. For Arias, returning to a familiar setting, where he previously excelled with Fluminense, could provide the boost his career needs.