"He had a good offer from a big club" - Wolves boss lifts lid on potential move and defender's improved form

The defender, who joined the club in the summer of 2023, came close to leaving on loan in 2024 and has consistently struggled to hold down a place in the starting XI.

However, impressive performances of late have seen him overcome competition and take his chance in the side.

Now, as he praises Bueno's impact, Pereira has also admitted the Uruguayan could have departed in the summer. 

"He had the chance to leave the club in pre-season, he had a good offer from a big club," Pereira said.

"I had a conversation with him and I said 'Santi, for me you must stay because you are a hard worker, every time the team needs you, you are there'.

"His character is the same every time, the same smile, he's ready every time to help the team and when you have your chance, be ready.

"For Santi, the training is very important and mentally he is there every time, that's why he's ready to help us in this moment. He's playing at a good level."

When asked if Bueno was happy with the decision to stay at Wolves, Pereira added: "He is happy and he was happy after our conversation.

"Even if he's not playing, a player needs to feel the confidence of the manager."

Emmanuel Agbadou and Toti Gomes have been dropped of late, while Yerson Mosquera and Matt Doherty have been in and out of the team.

Bueno's partnership with Ladislav Krejci has been a huge positive for Wolves and Pereira has challenged the other centre-backs for fight for their spot.

Pereira said: "This season we have Agbadou, Yerson, Doc, Santi and Toti, who played every game last season and has the same quality, he's a hard-worker, but in this moment Krejci is playing at a good level.

"Now it's time for the players that are out of the first XI to fight for their positions, this is football."