Amid speculation that Nelson Semedo could be on his way out of the Midlands at the end of his contract this month, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly joined the race to sign an instant replacement.
Semedo films Wolves farewell
Having already lost both Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha to Manchester City and Manchester United respectively, the last thing that Wolves need is another departure. With just a matter of weeks remaining on his current deal, however, Semedo looks destined to hand the Midlands club exactly that. The right-back's future remains in doubt and he has seemingly been pictured filming what may well be a farewell to the fans at Molineux.
With another departure on the cards, Wolves could be in for a hectic summer ahead of Vitor Pereira's first full season in charge. So far, the Portuguese manager has done everything right in charge of the Midlands club, but he will be desperate to ensure that the good times continue even without stars of Ait-Nouri and Cunha's calibre.
The Wolves boss told reporters in the final stages of last season: “Of course, we need players. We need to be stronger next season, competing for every game. What I learned is that with this level of focus, we cannot compete with these kinds of teams.
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“It means next season we must be better, we must compete inside (the club). If you don’t compete inside, then you have problems — you must compete inside the club every day in training. You must have competition for your position. The players are not happy for sure (with the result) because they know they can do better.”
With that need for players, it looks as though Wolves have wasted no time before turning towards an experienced defender who could arrive to replace Semedo this summer.
Wolves join hectic Coufal race
According to Football Insider, Wolves have now joined the race to sign Vladimir Coufal alongside Premier League rivals Everton and Leeds United. The veteran right-back left West Ham United as a free agent after five years at the club, but could yet get the chance to stay put in England's top flight even without the Hammers.
Vladimir Coufal in action for West Ham vs Newcastle
A player who would match Semedo's experience, Coufal still has something to offer after leaving West Ham and Wolves should take full advantage. Statistically speaking, the 32-year-old wasn't far off matching Semedo every step of the way last season.
Premier League stats per 90 24/25 (via FBref) Vladimir Coufal Nelson Semedo
Minutes 1,067 2,886
Tackles Won 1.26 1.12
Interceptions 0.67 0.72
Ball Recoveries 3.28 4.33
Hailed as "brilliant" by former West Ham boss David Moyes during his time with the Irons, Coufal may not be a long-term option, but he does represent a bargain candidate to instantly solve a pending problem for Wolves.
As a free agent, the ball could be in Coufal's court this summer and it doesn't look as though he's going to be short on Premier League options.