Wolves secure Cameroon defender Jackson Tchatchoua, clocked at 36.3 km/h last season

Wolves have added serious pace to their backline with the signing of Jackson Tchatchoua from Hellas Verona. The Cameroon international has joined the Premier League club for €12.5m (£10.8m) on a five-year contract.

The 23-year-old arrives with a reputation as one of Europe’s quickest defenders. Official Serie A data named him the fastest player in the Italian top flight last season, recording an average top speed of 34.88kmph. Wolves went further, revealing that Tchatchoua hit 36.3kmph during one match – blistering pace that will make him one of the speediest players in the Premier League.

Only Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven recorded higher figures in England last season, reaching a top speed of 37.1kmph. The Dutchman also holds the Premier League record, set at 37.38 km/h. Tchatchoua’s numbers, however, put him firmly among the elite.

Capable of playing both as a right-back and a wing-back, the Cameroonian will bring versatility as well as pace. Born in Belgium, he began his professional career with Charleroi before moving on loan to Hellas Verona. His performances in Serie A convinced the Italians to make the deal permanent in 2024.

Last season proved to be his breakout year. Tchatchoua played 37 games in all competitions, scoring twice and registering three assists. His marauding runs down the flank, combined with defensive discipline, made him a key figure in Verona’s campaign and drew the attention of Premier League scouts.

At the international level, he has already represented Cameroon 10 times. His energy and speed on the right side of defence have made him an increasingly important part of the national setup. Wolves will hope he can replicate that impact at Molineux.

Tchatchoua becomes Wolves’ fifth signing of the summer transfer window as the club continues to rebuild with a blend of attacking and defensive additions. He follows the permanent arrival of Norwegian striker Jørgen Strand Larsen for £23m after a successful loan spell, Spanish forward Fer López for £19m, Colombian winger Jhon Arias for £15m, and Norwegian defender David Møller Wolfe for £10m.

The Midlands club are clearly investing in a more dynamic and balanced squad ahead of the new Premier League season. Manager Gary O’Neil has spoken of his desire to add both speed and flexibility to his options, and Tchatchoua appears to tick both boxes.

Fans will be eager to see how he adapts to English football. The Premier League is often seen as faster and more physically demanding than Serie A, but Tchatchoua’s raw pace and stamina suggest he is built for the challenge.

His arrival also highlights Wolves’ growing ambition. Rather than simply fighting to stay clear of relegation, the club are targeting players capable of raising the overall standard of the squad. With Tchatchoua’s athleticism, Strand Larsen’s finishing, and Arias’ flair, Wolves are assembling a side that could surprise many this season.

For Tchatchoua, the move represents a significant step in his career. A player who has quickly risen through the ranks in Belgium and Italy will now test himself in the most competitive league in the world. His ability to bomb forward and recover at speed could make him a fan favourite at Molineux.

The deal may have been completed quietly, but Wolves supporters know they have secured one of Europe’s fastest defenders – and one with plenty of potential still to unlock.