Wolves reject bids for Tolu Arokodare as Premier League clubs increasingly treat players like appreciating assets

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been playing hardball with clubs interested in Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare, rejecting offers well below what they paid to acquire him.

Wolves signed Arokodare from Belgian club KRC Genk for approximately €27M, reported as roughly £22.4M plus potential bonuses. The deal went through in late August 2025, bringing in a striker who had been the top scorer in the Belgian league.

When Turkish club Besiktas came knocking in early 2026 with a €15M offer, Wolves didn’t just decline. They reportedly signaled they wanted offers closer to the €25-30M range, essentially demanding a return near or above their original outlay.

That offer represented roughly a 44% discount to what Wolves paid. In any asset class, accepting that kind of haircut on a recently acquired position would raise serious questions about management competence.

As of mid-2026, the club has been in discussions with Trabzonspor regarding a potential loan arrangement. Those talks have been described as positive, with Wolves reportedly seeking full wage coverage and a loan fee. Even in a temporary move, they’re not willing to subsidize another club’s access to their asset.

By holding firm at the €25-30M range, Wolves are communicating to the market that they believe Arokodare’s value has either held steady or appreciated since acquisition. The loan discussions with Trabzonspor suggest a willingness to generate yield on the asset while waiting for the right exit price.

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