Tolu Arokodare denies ‘protest’ at Wolves training camp amid transfer stand-off

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has strongly denied reports that he disrupted a Wolverhampton Wanderers training session during the club’s pre-season camp in Portugal, insisting he has behaved professionally throughout his ongoing transfer saga.

The 25-year-old Nigeria international issued a statement on his social media accounts on Wednesday evening after reports in the UK claimed new Wolves head coach Cesar Peixoto had cancelled a first-team session following a dispute with the forward.

Stories also alleged that security measures were tightened at the training base to prevent Arokodare from entering first-team areas.

Arokodare: ‘I have always conducted myself professionally’

In his statement, the Ajax-linked striker rejected suggestions he had staged any form of protest or walkout and said recent coverage did not reflect events accurately.

He wrote: “Throughout my career, I have always taken great pride in conducting myself professionally and maintaining the highest training standards.

“My commitment has always been to prepare myself as well as possible so that I can contribute to my team-mates and the club whenever I am called upon.

“I remain under contract with Wolves, and my only intention is to fulfil my responsibilities professionally by training, doing my job, and contributing to the team in accordance with that contract.”

Arokodare did not address specific details of the reported confrontation but stressed his focus remains on fulfilling his obligations to Wolves while his future is decided.

Reports of cancelled session and increased security

His comments followed reports from BBC Sport and the Mirror that a clash between player and club staff during pre-season preparations in Portugal had led Peixoto to abandon a scheduled first-team training session.

According to those reports, the incident prompted Wolves to introduce stricter security protocols to control Arokodare’s access to first-team facilities at the camp.

The club have not publicly commented on the episode or on Arokodare’s statement, and it is not clear whether any internal disciplinary process is under way.

Transfer impasse over Fiorentina and Trabzonspor interest

The controversy comes against a backdrop of intense speculation over Arokodare’s next move following a difficult spell at Molineux since his £23.4m transfer from Belgian side Genk.

Reports suggest the forward is keen on a move to Serie A with Fiorentina, while Wolves are understood to be more open to a bid from Turkish club Trabzonspor. The differing preferences are believed to have contributed to the current stand-off.

Amid the uncertainty, Arokodare was omitted from Wolves’ squad for their pre-season friendly against Maidenhead United, underlining his fragile status within the team as the Championship season approaches.

Relegation, racism and disciplinary issues

The latest episode adds to what has been a turbulent period in England for Arokodare, on and off the pitch.

During the 2025-26 campaign he managed six goals in 38 appearances in all competitions as Wolves finished bottom of the Premier League and were relegated to the Championship.

His struggles were not confined to results. In February, after missing a penalty in a 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace, Arokodare was subjected to racist abuse on social media. Wolves issued a public statement at the time condemning the attacks and pledging support for the player.

Two months later, reports surfaced of a dressing-room altercation involving teammate Mateus Mane following a 4-0 loss to West Ham United. That incident was said to have led to internal disciplinary measures.

Impact on Nigeria career

The forward’s form for Wolves has also had repercussions at international level.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle left him out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a significant setback for a player once tipped to be a long-term option in the national team attack.

As Wolves prepare for life back in the Championship, Arokodare’s future remains unresolved. While the striker insists he is training and acting professionally, it remains to be seen whether he will start the new season at Molineux or secure a move away from the club.