Vitor Pereira is refusing to rule out an imminent departure from Corinthians amid reports suggesting the one-time Everton target could take over at Premier League strugglers Wolves, speaking to ESPN.
With the Serie A season running from April to November, contract in Brazil tend to expire around Christmas time rather than the summer, like they do this side of the Atlantic.
As such, this means Vitor Pereira only has a couple of months remaining on his Corinthians deal and, as things stand, will be a free-agent around the turn of the year.
It stands to reason, then, that the 54-year-old former Porto, Fenerbahce and Olympiacos coach should be more attainable for Wolverhampton Wanderers than many of their other managerial targets; Ruben Amorim, Mick Beale, and Nuno Espirito Santo, to name but three, currently tied down to long-term deals.
According to Brazil international-turned-TV-pundit Neto, Pereira ‘will not stay’ at Corinthians for the 2023 campaign. And when quizzed about his future, the well-travelled tactician only added fuel to the fire.
“At this moment, I can neither confirm nor deny the information,” Pereira says rather coyly.
Wolves could hire Vitor Pereira after Everton talks broke down
Record say that the Portuguese Pereira – who shares a common tongue with many members of the Wolves dressing room – is one of the candidates to succeed compatriot Bruno Lage at Molineux. Pereira, who held talks with Everton prior to Frank Lampard’s arrival at Goodison Park earlier in the year, is clearly not the club’s first choice however.
Wolves have already been rebuffed by Julen Lopetegui and QPR boss Beale, while Black Country icon Nuno has committed his immediate future to Al-Ittihad. Wolves also appear to have decided against Peter Bosz.
“For the fans, don’t worry. We are planning (for next season),” explains Corinthians president Duílio Monteiro Alves.
“Vítor has a family problem to solve. It’s a life decision. When he arrived here, the contract was for one year. I ask the fans to understand (the situation).”
Pereira has won four league titles in three different countries; Portugal, Greece and China.
“I always had the intention of working in England,” he admitted a couple of months ago. “I was in talks for a week to sign with Everton. But it didn’t happen.
“I didn’t prepare myself mentally to go to Brazil at this moment. But what happened is that they (Corinthians) insisted so much, wanted me so much. And I, as I’m very emotional, accepted the project. This is my project.”
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