Wolves appoint César Peixoto as new head coach on two-year contract after Premier League relegation

Appointment details

Wolverhampton Wanderers confirmed on Monday the appointment of César Peixoto as their new head coach. The 46-year-old Portuguese signed a two-year contract and succeeds Rob Edwards, who was sacked last week after the club finished bottom of the Premier League. Peixoto leaves Gil Vicente after guiding the club to sixth place in the 2025/26 Primeira Liga, his first full season in charge of a top-tier side. The move, his first coaching job outside Portugal, reportedly involves a compensation fee of around €1 million paid to the Barcelos-based club.

A steep task in the Championship

Wolves endured a disastrous top-flight campaign, collecting only 20 points from 38 matches, winning only three games and scoring 27 goals. The relegation ended an eight-year stay in the Premier League. Peixoto will now lead the club's attempt to bounce back from the Championship at the first attempt.

I'm proud to be here at this big, historic club in England. It's a big opportunity for me and I'm prepared to do everything to put Wolves where it belongs in the Premier League.

The Portuguese legacy at Molineux

Peixoto becomes the fourth Portuguese manager in Wolves' history, reinforcing a bond that has turned the Midlands club into a platform for Portuguese talent since Fosun International's takeover in 2016. The close relationship with agent Jorge Mendes has brought more than 30 Portuguese players to the squad. Nuno Espírito Santo led the club from 2017 to 2021, winning the Championship title in 2017/18 with 99 points and reaching the Europa League quarter-finals. He was followed by Bruno Lage (2021-2022) and a shorter spell under Vítor Pereira. Midfielders Rúben Neves and João Moutinho became iconic figures during this era, while goalkeeper José Sá remains in the current squad.

Leadership and vision

Executive chairman Nathan Shi said Peixoto displayed the qualities the club sought.

Throughout our discussions with him, it became clear very quickly that he possesses many of the qualities we believe are important for the future of this football club. We wanted clear identity, strong leadership qualities and a real hunger to succeed.

Peixoto stressed his intent to build a team that reflects the city's hard-working character, promising offensive football, organisation and a style that plays for the supporters.

This is a hard-working city with a lot of energy and a lot of passion, and I want them to see a team which plays an offensive game, with good organisation and a team who play for the fans.