Alious
Wolverhampton Wanderers appear on course to lose their team captain for a third consecutive summer, with Nelson Semedo’s contract set to expire in just a few months. The Portuguese full-back, who has become a key figure at Molineux since joining from Barcelona in 2020, is reportedly poised to move on when the season concludes.
Semedo has shown steady improvement during his five-year stint in the Premier League and was recognized by his peers as the Players’ Player of the Season last year — an accolade that reflected what he himself described as his finest season yet.
Despite his strong form and leadership, Semedo’s future at Wolves remains uncertain. European clubs are reportedly circling, with former club Benfica expressing interest and Serie A giants Inter Milan also keeping tabs.
Pereira Eager to Retain Semedo Amid Contract Uncertainty
Wolves head coach Vítor Pereira, however, has made his stance unequivocally clear: he wants Semedo to stay. The 31-year-old has been a fixture in the lineup under Pereira’s tenure, making 31 appearances so far this season and assuming the captaincy after disciplinary issues saw Mario Lemina removed from the role. Semedo’s composure and leadership have helped steady the squad both on and off the pitch.
Speaking to the Express & Star, Pereira praised Semedo, saying:
*“Nelson is a fantastic player, and that’s why we need to keep him. I’ve spoken to him and to the club. Now it’s a matter of finding common ground. If it were up to me, I’d absolutely keep him — but the finances aren’t in my hands. Still, he’s crucial, not just in matches but in the dressing room too.”*
Since Pereira’s appointment in December, performance metrics have shown that Semedo has been consistently strong, further reinforcing his value to the team.
Fosun Faces Crucial Call on Captain’s Future
Ultimately, the decision may rest with Wolves’ ownership group, Fosun. While Semedo is reportedly open to extending his stay, any new deal would likely need to include favorable terms — a potential stumbling block given his current high wages and Fosun’s ongoing commitment to financial sustainability.
Semedo cost the club approximately £29 million, and losing such a seasoned, high-impact player without a fee would be a significant blow. Pereira has made his desire to retain Semedo crystal clear, but whether the club’s hierarchy chooses to back their manager or maintain financial discipline remains to be seen.
If Wolves fail to act, they risk yet another summer of losing their on-pitch leader — a pattern that could have lasting implications for squad stability and morale.
Alious
