Arokodare training disruption tests Peixoto’s early authority at Wolves
New manager Cesar Peixoto faces immediate governance challenge as Tolu Arokodare demands move to Fiorentina, rejecting club’s acceptance of a Trabzonspor offer.
Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto has been forced to confront a significant disciplinary breach within his squad during pre-season preparations, after striker Tolu Arokodare disrupted a training session on Monday. The incident, which resulted in the termination of the session, centres on the 25-year-old Nigeria international’s refusal to leave the pitch and his demand for a transfer to Italian side Fiorentina.
According to reports from BBC Sport, Arokodare sat down on the training ground and insisted the club facilitate a move to the Serie A side. This demand came despite Wolves having formally rejected Fiorentina’s bid, while simultaneously having accepted an offer from Turkish club Trabzonspor. The club’s stance on the transfer market appears to have directly precipitated the on-pitch confrontation.
Peixoto, who replaced Rob Edwards last month in a surprise appointment, terminated the session in response to the disruption. The new manager, a 46-year-old with one cap for Portugal, arrived from Gil Vicente with a mandate to return Wolves to the Premier League at the first attempt. This early incident presents a stark test of his authority and his ability to enforce institutional discipline within a squad undergoing significant transition.
Arokodare was notably absent from the club’s friendly against Maidenhead United on Wednesday, underscoring the severity of the breach. The striker, who scored six goals in 38 appearances last season before Wolves’ relegation from the Premier League, later addressed the situation via social media. He affirmed his professional commitment to fulfilling his contract, stating his intention to train and contribute to the team in accordance with his obligations.
The dispute marks a second high-profile flashpoint in Arokodare’s tenure at Molineux. He was previously disciplined in April following a confrontation with young forward Mateus Mane. Signed for £24m from Genk last summer, the forward’s performance has been scrutinised, with just three league goals scored during the season that saw Wolves finish bottom of the table. The club now faces the task of managing the striker’s contract while maintaining squad cohesion under Peixoto’s leadership.
