Training Disruption at Compton Park
Wolverhampton Wanderers' pre-season preparations were thrown into chaos on Monday when striker Tolu Arokodare refused to leave the pitch after being told not to train with the first team, forcing new head coach Cesar Peixoto to cancel the session. Extra security was deployed at the Compton Park training ground the following day to ensure the 25-year-old did not return. The Nigerian international, who scored three Premier League goals last season, was also omitted from Wednesday's friendly against Maidenhead United.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6]
Arokodare’s Future in Doubt
Arokodare has made clear his desire to leave Molineux after Wolves were relegated from the Premier League. He rejected a move to Turkish club Trabzonspor despite Wolves accepting a bid, preferring to remain in one of Europe's top five leagues. Serie A sides Fiorentina and Genoa have expressed interest, with Fiorentina reportedly submitting an improved loan proposal including a €22 million option to buy. Wolves are holding out for more than €20 million to recoup a significant portion of the fee paid to Genk.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S6]
The striker's first season at Wolves was already marred by disciplinary issues. In April, he was fined after a physical altercation with teammate Mateus Mane following a 4-0 defeat to West Ham. New manager Peixoto had already omitted Arokodare from the club's pre-season training camp in Portugal, signaling that the player was not central to his plans. The return of experienced forward Raul Jimenez has further reduced Arokodare's prospects for playing time.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6]
FIFA Rules Complicate Wolves' Position
The standoff has been complicated by updated FIFA regulations introduced last month, which prohibit clubs from forcing contracted players to train separately from the main squad to pressure them into accepting transfers. Players must continue training with the first team unless there is a genuine sporting reason or documented medical issue. Clubs found in breach could face financial penalties, transfer bans, or other sporting sanctions. Wolves risk becoming a test case under these new rules, as isolating Arokodare could be deemed an abusive practice by the global governing body.[S2][S3][S5]
