Wolverhampton Wanderers have appointed Cesar Peixoto as their new head coach, with the Portuguese signing a two-year contract at Molineux as the club targets an immediate return to the Premier League.
The 46-year-old joins from Primeira Liga side Gil Vicente and takes over from Rob Edwards, who was relieved of his duties last week. Peixoto inherits a squad preparing for life in the Championship, dropping into the second tier for the first time since 2018 after finishing bottom of the table last season — the latest setback in the club's Premier League record.
The move marks Peixoto's first managerial role outside Portugal. He arrives on the back of guiding Gil Vicente to a sixth-place finish in the Primeira Liga in 2025-26 — a campaign that also marked the first time in seven years as a coach that he had seen out a full season at a single club.
Shi backs his appointment
Executive chairman Nathan Shi was quick to set out why the club moved for Peixoto.
"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.
"He is young, energetic and ambitious, but he is also thoughtful, accountable and willing to challenge himself and those around him. We believe he will be an excellent fit for the culture and vision we are building at Wolves."
A fourth Portuguese appointment
As a player, Peixoto earned a single cap for Portugal in 2008 and was part of the Porto squad that lifted the Champions League under Jose Mourinho in 2004.
His arrival continues a familiar theme in the Molineux dugout. Peixoto becomes the fourth Portuguese manager among Wolves' past seven appointments, following Nuno Espirito Santo, Bruno Lage and Vitor Pereira.
"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.
"I want to put my identity onto the team and build a strong identity at the club. This is a hard-working city with a lot of energy and 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."
Promotion the only target
There is little ambiguity about the brief. Automatic promotion is the expectation next season, and Peixoto will be charged with keeping Wolves in the Championship title race from the outset.
The appointment carries risk. Shi, who replaced Jeff Shi in December, has positioned himself as the figure accountable for the club's direction, and the decision to dismiss Edwards — a call that caught the former boss and his staff off guard — has done little to ease tensions between supporters and owners Fosun.
Wolves are, however, expected to back Peixoto in the transfer market. The return of Raul Jimenez signals an intent to recruit experienced players familiar with English football, and there are signs the club's recruitment approach has been recalibrated after a difficult previous window.