Wolves sign Jackson Tchatchoua from Serie A side Verona

Wolverhampton Wanderers have announced the signing of Jackson Tchatchoua from Serie A side Hellas Verona for a fee in the region of £11m.

The 23-year-old Cameroon international has signed a five-year contract at Molineux with the option of a further year.

The arrival of Tchatchoua, a right-back who can also operate as a wing-back, will add pace and depth to Vitor Pereira’s squad.

The Belgium-born was the fastest player in the Italian top flight last term, reaching a top speed of almost 22mph (34kmh).

He contributed two goals across his 37 appearances for Verona and was also credited with three assists as Paolo Zanetti’s side finished the season in 14th place.

Tchatchoua believes his time in Serie A has left him well equipped for the challenges of the Premier League, adding that his move to England represents the fulfillment of a long-held ambition.

What did Jackson Tchatchoua say about signing for Wolves?

“I learned a lot on the defensive phase, the tactics [in Serie A],” said the full-back. “You have a lot of big teams, a lot of big matches, and I think in England it’s the same. 

“In Italy, you have a lot of exertions, because every match is difficult. I think it’s a good step before the Premier League, being focused on this.”

“The Premier League is one of my dreams and it’s one step that I want to do in my life, and also the history of the club, the stadium, the fans, this convinced me.”

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Tchatchoua began his career with Belgian Pro League side Charleroi in 2021, making 60 appearances before a season-long loan move to Verona was made permanent last summer.

He becomes Pereira’s fifth summer signing following the £19m arrival of forward Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo, the £15m capture of Fluminense winger Jhon Arias and David Moller Wolfe’s £10m arrival from AZ Alkmaar. 

Jorgen Strand Larsen, the Norwegian striker who scored 14 times last season while on loan from Celta Vigo, has also joined the club permanently. Larsen is already the subject of reported interest from Newcastle United.

‘I can play wing-back, I can play full-back’

Acknowledging his versatility, Tchatchoua has indicated he will be comfortable operating wherever Pereira chooses to deploy him.  

“I can play wing-back, I can play full-back,” he said. “When the space is free, I really like it, and I can play both. 

“I will play [in] the position the coach puts me on the pitch, for the team and for the coach.”

Pereira suggested before Wolves’ 4-0 home defeat to Manchester City that he wanted to bring in three more players before the closure of the summer transfer window. 

Tchatchoua will presumably fill one of those berths, with a No 10 and a defensive midfielder understood to be the remaining priorities.