Alious**Vitor Pereira Faces Key Squad Decisions as Craig Dawson’s Future Hangs in the Balance**
The transfer window may have closed just over a week ago, but **Vitor Pereira** is still actively reshaping his squad, with crucial decisions looming over the long-term futures of several first-team players.
### **Contract Clocks Ticking for Sarabia, Semedo, and Dawson**
Contracts for **Pablo Sarabia**, **Nelson Semedo**, and **Craig Dawson** are set to expire in **June 2025**, but their futures at **Wolves** could take very different paths. While Pereira is reportedly considering extending the contracts of both Sarabia and Semedo, the situation with Dawson is far more complicated.
The Portuguese manager has already initiated talks to **terminate Dawson’s contract** early. Since arriving at **Molineux** in December, Pereira has shown little faith in the veteran defender, giving him just **86 minutes of Premier League action**—a clear sign that Dawson isn’t part of his long-term plans.
### **Failed Swap Deal Leaves Dawson in Limbo**
Wolves even attempted to offload Dawson before the window shut, proposing a **swap deal** that would’ve brought **Conor Coady** back to the club. However, **Leicester City** rejected the offer, leaving Dawson stuck in a difficult situation now that the transfer window has slammed shut.
### **Why Dawson Can’t Move to Another English Club Until Summer**
According to **The Athletic**, Dawson’s predicament is tied to Premier League regulations. Since he was **registered with Wolves’ squad** before the window closed, he is **ineligible to sign for another English club** until the summer transfer window reopens.
This leaves the 34-year-old in an awkward spot. Unlike **Sasa Kalajdzic**, who’s been left out of the squad due to an ACL injury but isn’t actively being pushed out, Dawson’s case is more urgent. With Pereira eager to part ways, and most global transfer windows also closed, Dawson’s only immediate option could be a move to **Major League Soccer (MLS)**—if he’s even interested.
### **A Costly Standoff: £45,000-a-Week with No Football**
If Wolves fail to terminate his contract, Dawson risks spending the rest of the season on the sidelines, collecting his reported **£45,000-per-week** wages without playing any competitive football. This situation isn’t ideal for the player, who’s turning **35 in March**, as inactivity could further diminish his already limited market value.
### **Age a Major Obstacle for Dawson’s Next Move**
Even if Dawson waits until summer to explore new opportunities, **his age** will likely limit his options. While **David Moyes**, who previously managed Dawson at West Ham, is an admirer of the defender, Moyes’ current role at **Everton** could see him prioritizing **younger talent** as he looks to rejuvenate the squad.
Physically, Dawson has shown signs of decline over the past few seasons, raising doubts about his ability to handle the rigors of regular Premier League football. His age and fitness concerns could deter most top-flight clubs, especially considering he’s being **phased out by a relegation-threatened Wolves side**—not exactly a glowing endorsement.
However, there’s still a possibility that a **newly promoted Premier League club** could take a chance on him with a **short-term contract**, valuing his experience and leadership qualities. Yet, even that’s far from guaranteed.
### **Best-Case Scenario: A One-Year Deal**
Realistically, Dawson’s best hope may lie in securing a **one or two-year deal** this summer, likely with a lower-tier Premier League side or a Championship club aiming for promotion. His leadership and defensive experience remain valuable assets, but age, fitness, and current form will significantly shape the offers he receives.
As Dawson enters the twilight of a respectable career, the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether he gets one final chapter in top-flight football—or if his time at Wolves quietly marks the end of the road.
Alious
