Wolves have finalized the acquisition of winger Jhon Arias for an initial £14.7million.
The Colombian international joins on a four-year contract, with the possibility of an additional 12 months, and becomes the second addition of the summer following Spaniard Fer Lopez.
Arias arrives after shining for Brazilian side Fluminense at the Club World Cup, where he was named in the team of the tournament after reaching the semi-finals.
The agreement also includes approximately £4.3million in add-ons and a 10 per cent sell-on clause, after the forward completed his medical in Paris on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old is now reunited with Andre, whom he played with at Fluminense, and international teammate Yerson Mosquera.
It is anticipated that he will link up with the squad next week and miss the upcoming friendlies against Stoke and Lens. He will compete for one-and-a-half seasons this year after already beginning the Brazilian campaign, and Wolves are allowing him some time to arrange his relocation to England.
Arias is capable of playing across the front line and, despite never competing in Europe, he brings considerable experience to Vitor Pereira’s team and enhances his offensive choices.
The forward boasts 31 international caps to his name, and so far this season—with the Brazilian campaign currently underway—he has four goals and 13 assists in 35 matches across various competitions.
He departs Fluminense, where he joined in 2021, with 47 goals and 55 assists in 230 appearances.
Speaking to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte this week, Arias insists he ‘believes’ in Wolves ahead of his eagerly awaited move, but admits it was a challenging decision to leave Fluminense.
He said: “It was a difficult call, but one made with a clear head.
“I had to stay true to my essence and my dream, that’s what has brought me success so far. It was a well-thought-out process, and I leave in peace, knowing it’s a great opportunity for both the club and myself.
“I’m grateful to Wolverhampton for opening the door, and I’m hopeful I can achieve big things in England.
“I’m leaving as a more mature man and a more complete player.
“Fluminense gave me the best phase of my career. The bond went way beyond a typical club-player relationship.
“It’s a very human group, humble and dedicated. I’ll miss the everyday life – the banter, the trips. When I told them I was leaving, they were happy for me. No one tried to convince me to stay. They knew it was something we fought for together.”
On his Wolves move, he added: “Some might say it’s a mid-table club, but that doesn’t matter. Look at what Leicester did. I believe in the Wolves project.”
Arias’ professional journey began in Colombia with Patriotas in 2018, and he went on to make over 100 appearances in his home country with stints at four different clubs.
He claimed the Colombian Championship in 2020 with America de Cali before his move to Rio de Janeiro.
His breakout season at Fluminense came in 2022, with the first of two Guanabara Cup titles, and a tally of 16 goals and 17 assists.
A year later, he won the Copa Libertadores, the premier title in South America, and was named in the team of the tournament alongside Andre.
Arias has previously worn the armband at Fluminense and is a regular at set pieces, adding a unique aspect to the Wolves squad.