Vitor Pereira is entirely focused on ensuring Wolves’ survival in the Premier League, but the Portuguese manager also has the futures of his players to consider.
Pereira has already made significant decisions this season, including removing Craig Dawson from first-team training and pushing for Wolves to terminate his contract.
The 56-year-old also sold Mario Lemina to Galatasaray for £2.5 million after the Gabonese international disrespected the club by refusing to play.
Lemina and Dawson aren’t the only players whose contracts are set to expire in June 2025, as Pablo Sarabia’s future at Wolves remains uncertain, alongside captain Nelson Semedo.
Vitor Pereira urges Wolves to keep Nelson Semedo:
Liam Keen suggested that Semedo is likely to leave Wolves this summer, given he’s one of the highest earners in the squad.
It has also emerged that Benfica is interested in signing Semedo, seeing an opportunity to acquire the 31-year-old on a free transfer.
However, while his future remains uncertain, Pereira is determined to retain the Portuguese international, who has made 23 appearances in all competitions this season.
“I don’t know if he’s talking with the club or not,” Pereira said when asked about Semedo’s future via the E&S. “Nelson is happy, he’s a very good player and I hope next season we will be together here.
“I hope that because he’s a good player and we must keep our best players. He’s very important for us, not only inside the pitch but outside the pitch.
“He’s a captain and he helped me a lot with everything. This is important for us and he’s an important player.”
Keeping Semedo is vital for Wolves’ stability:
Semedo was named Wolves captain in December after Lemina was stripped of the responsibility, and as Pereira mentioned, he’s a significant leadership figure in the squad.
While it might make financial sense for the club to release him, losing him and then appointing a new captain could be damaging.
Stability is crucial for Wolves to secure a bright future, and provided they remain in the Premier League, many fans would want the right-back to sign a new contract.
Semedo was a £29 million signing from Barcelona in 2020, and the experienced defender has become a key member of the squad.
With his performances at right-back standing out – ranking in the top 11% of defenders across Europe for successful take-ons – replacing someone of his caliber could prove costly.
However, as the club aims to reduce its wage structure, the coming months will be pivotal as Semedo decides his future.
