Agent blamed as Wolves Agbadou transfer to Beşiktaş collapses

Wolves’ failed attempt to offload Emmanuel Agbadou late in the window has been dissected in Turkey, with the defender’s agent now being blamed for a deal that was reportedly close to completion.

Agbadou had emerged as a key target for Beşiktaş as the Super Lig side searched for an experienced centre-back following Gabriel Paulista’s contract termination and return to Brazil. Talks advanced to the point where the Ivory Coast international was described as being on the verge of leaving Molineux.

Beşiktaş initially approached Wolves with a loan proposal that included an option to buy, but Wolves made it clear they would only sanction a permanent transfer.

The Turkish club responded by submitting an offer of €14m. According to Turkish media, negotiations continued amid frustration over what was perceived as Wolves repeatedly raising their demands. Eventually, Beşiktaş agreed to meet a €17m fee — a significant concession that appeared to put the move back on track.

However, the deal unravelled at the final hurdle.

Wolves’ insistence on an additional €1m FIFA solidarity contribution reportedly proved decisive, prompting Beşiktaş to walk away and bringing the transfer to an abrupt end.

Turkish journalist Murat Özen has now placed responsibility for the breakdown on super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has long-standing influence at Wolves and was involved in the discussions.

Özen suggested Mendes’ handling of the negotiations contributed directly to Agbadou remaining in England, adding that the agent’s relationship with Beşiktaş president Serdal Adalı is strained — a factor believed to have complicated talks further.

In Turkey, the view is that the deal might have been salvaged without the agent’s intervention at such a late stage, though Wolves’ negotiating stance has also been criticised.

From Wolves’ perspective, Agbadou is under no pressure to be sold. The 28-year-old is contracted until 2029 and has featured 16 times across competitions this season, missing recent weeks only due to AFCON involvement.

With Wolves not actively shopping the defender, their firm stance on valuation reflects a preference to retain squad depth rather than accept compromise terms late in the window.

Beşiktaş have since acted by bringing in Aston Villa youngster Yasin Özcan, but that has not fully addressed their defensive needs. The club are still expected to pursue an experienced centre-back before their window closes on 6 February.

Agbadou remains a missed opportunity — a transfer that appeared close, only to unravel under the weight of negotiation detail and fractured relationships.

Beşiktaş are expected to continue their search for a senior central defender before the Turkish deadline, while Wolves retain Agbadou as part of their plans for the remainder of the season. Unless a fresh approach emerges from elsewhere, the defender looks set to remain at Molineux until at least the summer.

Did Wolves protect their interests by holding firm, or did they miss a clean exit for Emmanuel Agbadou?