Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Cesar Peixoto has confirmed the signing of free agent winger Bertrand Traore. The move was announced by Peixoto following the club's 2-2 draw with Birmingham City at St Andrew's on Sunday.
Peixoto was direct about the acquisition. "It's going to happen," the Wolves boss stated. He elaborated on the 31-year-old Burkina Faso international's role, saying, "It's one more player with quality. It's the winger that we need, with a left foot like I want." The manager believes Traore will slot directly into his plans, adding, "The player will come to improve the team like I want. We find the right name to put in the right area."
Bertrand Traore arrives at Molineux as a seasoned professional with extensive experience across Europe's top leagues. He spent last season in the Championship with Sunderland, signing a one-year deal with an option for a further year that was not taken up. Before that, his career included a high-profile £17 million move from Lyon to Aston Villa in September 2020, where he spent three years. A subsequent free transfer to Villarreal in January 2024 was followed by a return to Dutch giants Ajax. His status as a free agent made him an accessible target for Wolves' recruitment team.
The signing addresses a specific tactical need identified by Peixoto. Traore is expected to provide width and a left-footed option on the flank, a profile the manager explicitly wanted. To accommodate him within the Championship's 25-man squad regulations, the club may need to make a space. One reported possibility is that the 31-year-old could replace 27-year-old defender Santiago Bueno in the registered group for the remainder of the season. This strategic addition aims to inject quality and experience into a squad currently positioned as promotion hopefuls. Fans can view the full roster and how it shapes up on the club's squad page.
Bringing in a player of Traore's calibre at this stage signals Wolves' intent to strengthen their push for a Premier League return. His experience in England's top flight with Aston Villa and in the Championship with Sunderland could prove valuable during the demanding final months of the season. The immediate focus now shifts to integrating him into the group ahead of a critical period in the fixture list. Supporters can track the team's progress and upcoming challenges by checking the official fixtures schedule. Every point is vital in a tight promotion race, and the current standings show how competitive the division remains.
Peixoto's confirmation ends speculation and provides a clear boost to the squad's attacking options. The manager has identified a specific need and moved swiftly to secure his target without a transfer fee. Bertrand Traore's first opportunity to feature for Wolverhampton Wanderers could come as soon as the team's next Championship match, with preparations already underway at Compton Park.
