Wolves’ draw against Brentford on Sunday was potentially Nelson Semedo’s final game in gold as his contract runs down.
For months, Vitor Pereira has known the 31-year-old is set to become a free agent, but there has been no simple resolution to the situation.
Semedo was spotted filming a goodbye video to Wolves fans last week in case he departed Molineux as the Portugal international enters a crucial period.
On Monday, Semedo even updated fans on social media regarding his future at the club, with the former Barcelona star yet to make a decision.
Sadly, Semedo opened the door for Benfica to sign him, suggesting it would be ‘great’ to return to the team where he made a name for himself.
Photo by Cameron Smith - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Photo by Cameron Smith – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Vitor Pereira is worried about replacing Nelson Semedo
Semedo’s role as captain of Wolves is important, and he’s grown even more as a player with increased responsibility in recent months.
Pereira openly wants to keep Semedo, who he sees as a vital part of his plans, but with June only a few days away, it appears he could be heading for the exit door.
In an interview with A Bola, the Wolves manager spoke about his desire to keep the attacking wing-back, stating his worries about replacing him with someone who boasts as much ‘quality’.
MORE WOLVES STORIES
“Nelson knows that we want him. He is our captain, a player who has helped me a lot to unite the group, on the pitch and off the pitch,” Pereira said.
“He is a quality player. He knows that we want him. I think the club has already made him an offer. We will see what happens.
“I never worry about losing him. I worry about getting players, because if someone with quality leaves, someone with quality has to come in. I hope that Nélson stays, but if he leaves, we have to get someone with quality.
“He probably won’t be a player to be captain, because he will be arriving soon, but he will have to be a player who guarantees us quality and competitiveness.”
Kyle Walker-Peters would be perfect Semedo replacement
Pereira’s closing words suggested that either someone to replace Semedo as captain is already at the club, or a player is soon to arrive to fill that potential void.
Nevertheless, it would take something special to restore the talent the Portuguese would leave behind, though there are some brilliant options available in the market.
Nelson Semedo for Wolves (2020-present)
Appearances – 182
Goals – 3
Assists – 11
For instance, Kyle Walker-Peters is available on a free transfer from Southampton, and he’s someone capable of providing the defensive and attacking capabilities required.
An established Premier League full-back, the 28-year-old boasts the energy to drive up and down the flank, as well as the energy and quality right-footed cross for Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Walker-Peters has amassed 148 appearances in the top flight with two goals and 12 assists to his name, and he’s certainly someone Pereira should be looking at.