Wolverhampton Wanderers announced on Thursday that they have appointed Vitor Pereira as their new manager as they fight for Premier League survival.

The 56-year-old Portuguese manager left Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab to join Wolves on an 18-month deal after the struggling Midlands outfit axed Gary O’Neil.

During his long coaching career, Pereira won two Primeira Liga titles with Porto and the Greek Super League with Olympiakos.

The BBC reported on Tuesday that Wolves will pay around 1 million euros ($1 million) to bring Pereira to the English top flight.

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said on Thursday: “We are delighted to welcome Vitor Pereira to Wolves as our new first-team men’s manager. Vitor is a respected and experienced coach who has had success in a number of leagues and will bring a fresh approach to the challenge ahead.

“This is a difficult time for the club and we would like to thank Vitor for taking on this responsibility. We have full confidence in his ability to get back on track, along with the players and staff, and the whole club will be united in supporting his success.”

Wolves, second from bottom in the Premier League, said Pereira had his first training session with the club on Thursday and will be in charge for their away game against relegation rivals Leicester – five points above them in the table – on Sunday.

O’Neil was sacked after Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich, the club’s fourth consecutive defeat, which left Wolves with just nine points from 16 league games. O’Neil was appointed in August 2023 after the departure of Julen Lopetegui and signed a new four-year contract with the club in August this year.