John Árias, ex-Fluminense, expresses dissatisfaction at Wolverhampton and prioritizes Brazil in a possible return

Colombian midfielder John Árias, 28, expressed regret over the transfer from Fluminense to Wolverhampton, which took place in July 2025. The move involved paying 22 million euros for the English club, with Fluminense receiving 16 million euros and Patriotas, from Colombia, 6 million euros. Tricolor retained 10% of future resale rights.

Árias played 229 matches for Fluminense, scoring 47 goals and providing 55 assists. He won the 2023 Copa Libertadores, two Cariocas Championships and the Recopa Sul-Americana.

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• Arrival at Wolverhampton took place shortly after the Club World Cup.
• Contract runs until 2029, with option for extension.
• Termination clause allows negotiations from January 2026.

Challenges in English adaptation

Wolverhampton occupies 15th place in the Premier League, with 12 points in 10 rounds until October 2025. Árias played in seven games as a starter, with no goals and one assist.

The physical intensity of the league contrasted with the technical style of Brazilian football. Coach Vítor Pereira positioned the player in more defensive roles.

Numbers in the new club

Árias averaged 58 minutes per match at Wolverhampton. He created few offensive chances compared to his time at Fluminense.

In the Club World Cup, he led with 18opportunities created. The lack of tactical adjustments sparked internal conversations about his role.

The Colombian has participated in 31 games for the Colombia national team since 2022. He played all six matches in the 2024 Copa América.

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Uma publicação compartilhada por Jhon Arias Andrade (@jhonariasa)

Trajetória no Fluminense

Árias chegou ao Fluminense em agosto de 2021, vindo do Santa Fe. Marcou 16 gols e deu 17 assistências na temporada de 2022, contribuindo para o título carioca.

Em 2023, integrou o time ideal da Libertadores após vitória na final contra o Flamengo por 2 a 1. Anotou os dois gols na Recopa contra a LDU, revertendo o placar agregado.

Formou dupla com André, hoje no Wolverhampton, elevando o meio-campo tricolor. Coaches such as Fernando Diniz and Renato Gaúcho highlighted his versatility on the wing and as a second striker.

The sale balanced Fluminense’s accounts, allowing investments in young people like John Kennedy and João Neto.

Market interests

Palmeiras offered 18 million euros in an informal survey to reinforce the attack aimed at the Libertadores in 2026. Flamengo prioritizes the attacking midfielder, with an estimated salary of 1.2 million euros per year.

Botafogo came into rumors via connections with John Textor, owner with shares in Wolverhampton. Arias prefers Europe, but evaluates Spanish or Italian leagues.

Future moves

The transfer window opens on January 1, 2026. Arias has scheduled meetings with an agent to analyze proposals.

Wolverhampton is considering a loan with an option to purchase to maintain market value. Fluminense monitors the situation and refused approaches from rivals in July.

Árias promised priority to the Rio club in case of returning to Brazil. Brazilian clubs approached the staff in September with initial values of 15 million euros.