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During the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, former Brazil playmaker Kaka described Colombian winger Jhon Aria as “an extremely dangerous player who can decide a match at any moment”. Jhon Arias played the Club World Cup this summer as Fluminense reached the semi-finals where they were beaten by Chelsea. Arias showcased his trickery and relentless running in that competition, creating 18 chances in six games and completing hundred passes in the final third. Now in an unconventional move, Arias is older than most South American players who cross the Atlantic Ocean to try their luck in Europe.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have bolstered their attacking ranks with the signing of Colombian international Jhon Arias from Brazilian club Fluminense for an initial fee of £15 million, the Premier League side announced on Thursday, July 24. The deal, which could rise to £19 million with add-ons tied to performance metrics such as European qualification, sees the 27-year-old winger join Wolves on a four-year contract, with an option for an additional 12 months.
Arias will don the coveted number 10 shirt, previously worn by Matheus Cunha, who departed for Manchester United in a £62.5 million move last month. It’s a project I believe in,” Arias said, citing the presence of familiar faces like Andre and Brazil’s Joao Gomes. “I’m ready to give 100%.”
Fluminense fans affectionately call Jhon Arias as 'Colombian Pele'
As he joins the Wolves, Jhon Arias will reunite with midfielder Andre, who he played with at Fluminense, and international team-mate Yerson Mosquera. Fans of Fluminense affectionately hails him as “Colombian Pele”, since joining Fluminense from Colombian side Santa Fe in August 2021 for just $600,000, Arias amassed 102 goal contributions (47 goals, 55 assists) in 229 appearances. His standout 2022 season saw him notch 16 goals and 17 assists, helping Fluminense secure the Guanabara Cup.
In 2023, alongside Andre, Arias played a pivotal role in Fluminense’s historic Copa Libertadores triumph, South America’s equivalent of the Champions League, earning a spot in the tournament’s Team of the Year. He also lifted the Recopa Sudamericana and Campeonato Carioca twice, cementing his status as a club legend.
