Wolverhampton Wanderers could find themselves facing more than just a difficult transfer saga after their ongoing dispute with Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare reportedly took a dramatic turn, Footynaija reports.
The crisis reached a new level when Arokodare allegedly refused to leave the training pitch after being told he would not work with the first team. The incident reportedly forced Wolves to cancel their scheduled training session.
Journalist Nathan Judah wrote: “Understand Wolves training was cancelled yesterday following Tolu Arokodare’s refusal to leave the pitch when asked not to train with squad. Cesar Peixoto seemingly not tolerating ‘player power’ & poor discipline levels. Extra security enforced today at Compton Park to make sure he was not at training ground. Arokodare will not be part of the squad travelling to Maidenhead United tomorrow night.”
Reports also claim Wolves increased security at Compton Park, barred the Nigerian striker from first-team activities and left him out of the squad for the pre-season game against Maidenhead United.
The breakdown follows a disappointing first year for Arokodare after his €26 million move from Belgian club Genk. The 24-year-old managed only three Premier League goals in 33 matches as Wolves were relegated to the Championship. He was also fined after a dressing-room altercation with teammate Mateus Mane following a 4-0 defeat to West Ham, before being left out of the club’s training camp in Portugal. The return of Raul Jimenez further reduced his chances of regular football.
Although Arokodare wants to leave, Wolves are asking for more than €20 million. Fiorentina have offered a loan with a €22 million purchase option, while Genoa are interested. Trabzonspor also made a bid, but the striker rejected the move because he wants to remain in a top European league.
Wolves must also be careful with how they handle the situation. FIFA’s new player protection rules, introduced with FIFPRO, ban clubs from isolating players without a valid sporting or medical reason. If Wolves are found to have broken those rules, they could face fines, transfer sanctions and other sporting penalties.
Related Post
