Wolves quell Leeds United speculation by handing new contract to Brazil international Andre
Wolves quell Leeds United transfer speculation by handing new contract to key man
Wolverhampton Wanderers have quelled speculation regarding a Leeds United move for Andre by giving the midfielder a new contract.
The 24-year-old, a senior Brazil international, has been among the better performers in a dismal season for Wolves.
Relegation from the Premier League has been confirmed for the Midlands club and Andre is among those who has been linked with an exit.
Wolves tie Andre to new contract
Leeds have been mooted as a potential suitor, although a Molineux stay now appears to be on the cards for the midfielder. He has put pen to paper on a four-year deal, giving beleaguered Wolves fans something to cheer about.
A new contract being signed does not necessarily guarantee he will stay, but Wolves’ executive chairman Nathan Shi has hinted Andre is up for the fight in the Championship.
He said: “We are absolutely delighted that Andre has committed his future to Wolves. Over the past few months, we have been in constant dialogue with him and his representatives, and throughout every conversation his desire to stay here has never wavered.
“He believes in this football club, he believes in what we are building together and he has full belief that we can realise our aim of achieving promotion back into the Premier League as soon as possible.
“Andre has always made it clear he wants to be a part of the club’s future and that says everything about his character, and his connection to Wolves and our supporters.
“Having a player with Andre’s quality committing to Wolves for the next four years is a huge statement of intent for the future, it shows our long-term ambition, and sends a strong message to other players that we are building a team hungry to get the club back to where it belongs.”
Rob Edwards on new Andre deal
Head coach Rob Edwards, meanwhile, has spoke of how influential Andre could be on the second rung of the English football ladder.
He said: “Andre’s a great guy and is incredibly professional – he's a dream to work with. He’s grown into a leader and will continue to do that, the more he's around the football club. This is a big step for him, because he’ll be experienced in England and will know how important a player he is for us.
“He's an excellent footballer, technically he's really, really good. He's got really high potential, we’ve seen it in the Premier League, and it's exciting that we can have him in the Championship. We can't disrespect the level, because we know how difficult it is as well, but he's certainly going to look a good player.
“If your best players, the people that you want to keep around, are willing to stay and to fight, then it shows we're serious. Continuity is important, but we want people who want to be here as well, and Andre is showing is a real commitment.”