Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare is expected to start for Wolverhampton Wanderers when they face Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday.
After weeks of speculation over his future, Arokodare completed a deadline-day move to Wolves in a deal worth €26 million. He was signed to provide competition for first-choice striker Jorgen Strand Larsen and to give coach Vitor Pereira more attacking options.
Initially, it was thought that Arokodare would need time to settle before earning regular minutes. However, things have changed quickly after Pereira confirmed that Strand Larsen has picked up a “serious” injury which could keep the Norwegian out for several weeks.
This opens the door for the 24-year-old Nigerian to make an immediate impact. He is now in line to lead the Wolves attack against Newcastle this weekend.
It will not be an easy start. Newcastle have grown into Champions League contenders over the past three seasons and are desperate for their first win of the new campaign. Wolves, meanwhile, have lost their opening three matches and have not beaten Eddie Howe’s side since 2021.
For Arokodare, the clash could prove to be a baptism of fire. But the former Genk striker will be eager to rise to the occasion, make his mark in the Premier League, and perhaps even open his goalscoring account.