Wolverhampton Wanderers’ preparations for the new season descended into chaos after Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare reportedly disrupted a first-team training session while attempting to force a move away from the club.
The incident, which occurred during the club’s pre-season programme, prompted newly appointed head coach Cesar Peixoto to call off training after Arokodare refused to leave the pitch, creating an awkward stand-off between the player and club officials.
According to reports, the Super Eagles forward is determined to join Italian Serie A side Fiorentina after Wolves rejected an offer from the Florence-based club. Although Wolves have accepted a bid from Turkish outfit Trabzonspor, Arokodare is believed to have made it clear that his preferred destination is Italy.
The 25 year old striker reportedly remained on the training pitch after being informed he would not participate with the first team, effectively bringing preparations to a halt. With the situation becoming increasingly tense, Peixoto decided to cancel the entire session rather than allow the confrontation to continue.
Club officials are now assessing the fallout from the incident, and Arokodare has been left out of Wolves’ scheduled pre-season friendly against Maidenhead United while discussions over his future continue.
The latest episode adds to what has been a difficult spell for the Nigerian international since his arrival at Molineux from Belgian side Genk in 2025. Despite arriving with a strong goalscoring reputation after impressive performances in Belgium, Arokodare struggled to replicate that form in England as Wolves endured a disappointing campaign that ended in relegation from the Premier League.
His relationship with the club has also been tested by previous disciplinary issues. Earlier this year, he was sanctioned following an altercation with teammate Mateus Mané after a heavy league defeat, raising further questions about tensions within the squad.
For Wolves, the timing of the protest could hardly be worse. The club is attempting to rebuild under Peixoto following relegation and is eager to create a disciplined environment capable of securing an immediate return to the Premier League. Any disruption during pre-season threatens to derail those plans.
Transfer negotiations are expected to continue over the coming days, with Fiorentina still interested in signing the striker despite the rejection of their initial proposal. Wolves, meanwhile, appear determined to secure a deal that reflects their valuation of the player rather than allowing him to leave on unfavourable terms.
The incident has sparked widespread debate among football supporters, with some sympathising with Arokodare’s desire to pursue his preferred move, while others have criticised the manner of his protest, arguing that professional disagreements should be resolved behind closed doors rather than on the training ground.
As the summer transfer window progresses, attention will remain firmly on whether Wolves and Fiorentina can reach a compromise that satisfies all parties. Until then, Arokodare’s future remains uncertain, while the Championship club continues its preparations for a crucial campaign overshadowed by an increasingly public transfer dispute.
