Nelson Semedo’s future at Wolverhampton Wanderers is becoming increasingly uncertain as his contract nears its expiration in the summer of 2025. While Wolves manager Vitor Pereira reportedly wants to keep him at Molineux, external interest and financial factors may lead to his departure. The Portuguese right-back has been a key figure for Wolves since arriving from Barcelona in 2020, making 173 appearances for the club—more than he made for any of his previous teams. However, with growing interest from abroad, particularly from his former club Benfica, Semedo’s time in the Premier League may be drawing to a close.
Benfica’s Interest and a Possible Reunion with Bruno Lage
Reports suggest that Benfica are actively pursuing a deal to bring Semedo back to Portugal, with their confidence in securing his signature increasing. The Lisbon giants are preparing to offer him a contract once he becomes a free agent, and the move is being described as a “dream” return for Semedo. He previously played for Benfica from 2012 to 2017 before making a high-profile move to Barcelona.
A key factor in this potential transfer is the presence of Bruno Lage, who previously managed Wolves between 2021 and 2022. It is rumored that Semedo would be open to working with Lage again, making Benfica’s approach even more attractive. If the Portuguese club can offer a competitive wage package and the promise of regular football, it could be difficult for Wolves to convince their captain to stay.
Wolves Fans React with Frustration
The possibility of losing Semedo has not been received well by the Wolves fanbase. Many supporters have expressed their frustration on social media, criticizing the club for allowing his contract to run down and potentially losing a key player on a free transfer. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“Infuriating to lose Nelson for free. 173 appearances to date for us, more than at any previous club surprisingly. Great servant and do wish him well, he’ll be a big loss.”
Another added:
“If we let him go, this club is a circus. Absolutely criminal to allow this to happen.”
Many fans believe that Wolves should be pushing to extend Semedo’s contract, especially given the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement. Some have suggested that if Wolves are unwilling to offer a new deal, they should start giving more minutes to young right-back Pedro Lima or consider shifting Matt Doherty back to a starting role. However, others argue that replacing Semedo with a player of similar quality will cost the club a fortune—something they doubt Fosun, Wolves’ owners, will be willing to do.
Wolves Need a Replacement – Could Kyle Walker-Peters Be the Answer?
With Semedo’s departure looking increasingly likely, Wolves are already being linked with potential replacements. One name that has surfaced is Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters. The 26-year-old full-back is highly regarded for his versatility, able to play on both the right and left sides of defense.
Walker-Peters’ contract at Southampton expires in the summer, making him an attractive option for Wolves. If the club decides against renewing Semedo’s contract, signing Walker-Peters on a free transfer could be a cost-effective solution. His Premier League experience and attacking ability make him a solid candidate to step into Semedo’s role, but Wolves would face competition from other clubs looking to secure his signature.
Who Should Be the Next Wolves Captain?
If Semedo leaves, Wolves will also need to appoint a new captain. Remarkably, the club has already had three different captains in the past year—Max Kilman, Mario Lemina, and now Semedo. This lack of continuity in leadership is another concern for fans.
One player who could step up to wear the armband is Emmanuel Agbadou. The 27-year-old Ivorian defender has impressed since joining Wolves, demonstrating strong defensive abilities and leadership qualities. Some supporters believe he is the perfect candidate to take on the role, as he has shown maturity both on and off the pitch.
Final Thoughts
Nelson Semedo has been a crucial player for Wolves over the past four years, and his departure would be a significant blow to the squad. While the club would prefer to keep him, financial constraints and Semedo’s personal aspirations may lead him back to Portugal.
If he does leave, Wolves must ensure they have a solid replacement lined up—whether that means promoting Pedro Lima, reintegrating Doherty, or signing a new right-back such as Walker-Peters. Additionally, the club needs to find stability in its leadership, with Agbadou emerging as a strong candidate for the captaincy.
For now, Wolves fans will be hoping that the club can still find a way to retain Semedo, but as things stand, a return to Benfica is looking more and more likely.