Wolverhampton Wanderers have bolstered their attacking ranks with the signing of Colombian international Jhon Arias from Brazilian club Fluminense. The 27-year-old winger has penned a four-year contract at Molineux, with an option to extend for an additional 12 months, in a deal worth approximately £19 million. The move marks a significant coup for Wolves as they look to enhance their squad ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season under head coach Vitor Pereira.
Arias arrives at Wolves with an impressive pedigree, having shone on the global stage at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. His standout performances helped Fluminense reach the semi-finals, where they were eventually defeated 2-0 by champions Chelsea. The versatile attacker, capable of playing across the forward line or as an attacking midfielder, earned three Player of the Match awards during the tournament, including a starring role in Fluminense’s victory over Inter Milan. Arias scored once and provided an assist in six Club World Cup appearances, cementing his reputation as one of South America’s brightest talents.
The Colombia international, who has 31 caps for his country, leaves Fluminense after a prolific four-year spell. Since joining the Rio de Janeiro-based club in August 2021, Arias made 230 appearances, scoring 47 goals and providing 55 assists. His creativity and work rate were instrumental in Fluminense’s 2023 Copa Libertadores triumph, South America’s equivalent of the Champions League, where he was named in the Team of the Tournament alongside former teammate André, now a Wolves midfielder. The duo’s reunion, along with Arias linking up with fellow Colombian Yerson Mosquera, adds a layer of familiarity to his transition to English football.
“I’m thrilled to join Wolves and take on the challenge of the Premier League,” Arias said upon signing. “It’s a project I believe in. They showed me the plans, and there are top players here – I don’t even need to mention André or João Gomes. I believe in the squad and in the manager’s work. I know what they expect from me, and I’m ready to give 100%.” His comments reflect a confidence in Wolves’ ambitious vision under Pereira, who has made Arias his second signing of the summer following the arrival of winger Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo.
The transfer, which sees Fluminense retain a 10% sell-on clause, represents smart business for Wolves, who have moved swiftly to replace Matheus Cunha, sold to Manchester United earlier this summer. Arias is expected to compete for a number 10 role alongside Marshall Munetsi, offering Pereira tactical flexibility with his ability to play on either wing, as a second striker, or in attacking midfield. His set-piece prowess and tireless work rate have already drawn praise from fans, with some taking to social media to highlight his “phenomenal” energy and experience as a Copa Libertadores winner.
However, questions remain about how quickly Arias will adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League, having spent his entire professional career in South America. His 35 appearances across all competitions in 2025 suggest he is no stranger to a packed schedule, but Pereira may opt for a cautious integration to ensure the winger hits the ground running. Wolves have also seen departures this summer, with Rayan Ait-Nouri joining Manchester City and Pablo Sarabia moving to Al Arabi, making Arias’ arrival a timely boost.
For Fluminense, the sale of their star attacker is bittersweet. The club issued a statement confirming the transfer, noting that Arias “left his mark on the club’s history” with his contributions to their Libertadores and 2024 CONMEBOL Recopa successes. A farewell press conference is scheduled for the weekend, where Arias is expected to bid an emotional goodbye to the Fluminense faithful.