Wolves acquire Reims center-back Agbadou

Wolverhampton Wanderers have acquired center-back Emmanuel Agbadou from Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims on a four-and-a-half-year deal, the Premier League team announced on Thursday.

UK media indicated the transfer is valued at approximately 16.6 million pounds ($20.39 million). An extra 12-month clause is included.

The 27-year-old Ivory Coast national, who led Reims as captain, is new coach Vitor Pereira’s initial signing at Wolves, who have the weakest defense in the top tier.

Wolves occupy 17th place and are tied on 16 points with Ipswich Town, who hold the final relegation position.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Emmanuel to the team,” Wolves chairman Jeff Shi stated in a release.

“He’s a player our scouting department has monitored for a considerable time, and Vitor concurred that he was the suitable player and the appropriate personality to bolster our roster now.”

Wolves travel to second-division Bristol City for the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

($1 = 0.8142 pounds)