Former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Dave Edwards thinks the club must keep hold of Nelson Semedo, "one of the best" full-backs in the Premier League.
Semedo's contract expires next month, and speculation is growing that his five-year spell at Molineux will end this summer. Reports from last month claimed that the 31-year-old and Pablo Sarabia would be leaving when their deals expire.
The Portuguese right-back was an important member of Vitor Pereira's side that avoided relegation, displaying leadership qualities as the club captain. His future with the club is hanging in the balance in the final weeks of the season.
Edwards: Wolves Keeping Semedo Would Be Best Piece of Business
"He's so important"
Crystal Palace's Eddie Nketiah in action with Wolverhampton Wanderers' Nelson Semedo
Semedo joined Wolves from Barcelona in the summer of 2020 for £28m, and he's become a fan favourite at Molineux. He's made 180 appearances for the club and taken the club captaincy from Mario Lemina in the winter.
The 42-cap Portugal international is also one of the most effective full-backs in the league. Edwards stressed how important he was while speaking on the Wolves Unpacked podcast:
"I do think, probably the best signing we could make this summer, would be Nelson Semedo staying at the football club."
He added:
“He’s a wonderful, wonderful defender. He’s excellent on the ball. He’s been a mainstay down the right side. One of the best in the league, I think. Especially in that wing-back role. He’s our captain as well, in a season with so much adversity, he’s been the calming head."
Semedo isn't the only high-profile name who could depart Molineux this summer as Matheus Cunha continues to be heavily linked with Manchester United. Rayan Ait-Nouri's future is also up in the air, having garnered interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Overall, a nine-player exodus could ensue, and Semedo would be one of the most significant exits. Edwards made clear what must be done if that's the case:
“He’s been so, so important to us. So I would love, love, love Nelson Semedo to stay. If he does go, we have to replace him.”
Nelson Semedo Statistics (Premier League 2024-25)
Appearances:
Goals:
Assists:
Big chances created:
Tackles per game:
Balls recovered per game:
Clearances:
Total duels won:
Semedo's last game as a Wolves player could come on the final day of the season when they face Brentford at Molineux (May 25). He sits on purported wages of £80,000 per week, which he signed in May 2023.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 18.05.2025.
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