Wolves are currently navigating a tricky and increasingly urgent situation regarding the future of Nelson Semedo. The 31-year-old right-back, who has been a key figure at Molineux since his arrival in 2020, is now a free agent after his contract expired. Semedo, who has been training alone in Portugal, appears to be distancing himself from the club. Although Wolves have extended a four-year contract offer to Semedo, there is a growing sense that he may be preparing to leave. This leaves the club in an awkward position, with pre-season now in full swing, and the new season just around the corner. Wolves need clarity on Semedo’s future, but the player’s lack of communication and his recent actions, including posting about training alone and sharing what seems like a farewell video, suggest he is more likely to move on than stay.

Semedo’s contract situation has left Wolves in a precarious position. While the club would ideally like to retain the Portuguese international, the fact that he is not integrating with the team or showing much enthusiasm for a new deal is concerning. The club’s priority now is ensuring they have the necessary depth in the squad, especially in the right-back position, which Semedo has occupied since his arrival. Wolves have had some time to prepare for this eventuality, and the decision to offer him a new contract demonstrates that the club was open to keeping him, but they are now faced with the possibility that Semedo is unwilling to commit to the club for the long term.

Semedo’s apparent decision to leave leaves Wolves with an immediate need to find a replacement. As part of their efforts to plan for the future, the club has already been linked with a number of potential right-back replacements. One such player was Jackson Tchatchoua, who has been described as one of the most talented right-backs in Serie A. The 24-year-old, currently playing for Torino, had reportedly attracted the attention of Wolves as a potential target to step into Semedo’s shoes. However, it appears that Tchatchoua has made it clear that he prefers a move to Inter Milan, a club that is likely to lose their current right-back, Denzel Dumfries, to another team this summer. This news is a blow to Wolves’ plans, as Tchatchoua’s preference for Inter Milan means that they would need to pivot to alternative targets if Semedo’s departure is confirmed.

Tchatchoua’s reported price tag of around £8.6 million is certainly within Wolves’ financial reach, but if the player is set on moving to Inter, then there is little point in continuing the pursuit. Wolves would be wise to recognize that trying to convince a player who has already made up his mind to join a competing club is not an effective use of their resources. As such, the club will likely need to turn their attention to other right-back options. Marc Pubill, a 23-year-old defender currently playing for Almeria in Spain’s La Liga, has emerged as a potential alternative to Tchatchoua. Pubill, who has impressed with his performances in Spain, could be a more attainable target for Wolves, especially considering that he may be more willing to join a club like Wolves and take on the challenge of playing in the Premier League. Pubill is an exciting talent, and while he may not have the same level of experience as Tchatchoua, he could prove to be a valuable addition to the squad, particularly if Wolves are unable to convince Semedo to stay.

The dilemma for Wolves is that they cannot fully focus on their search for a new right-back until they know for sure whether Semedo will leave or not. The club is in a holding pattern, waiting for some resolution on Semedo’s future, but time is running out. As pre-season continues, Wolves need to start integrating their new signings and ensuring that they are fully prepared for the upcoming season. The longer the club is left in the dark about Semedo’s decision, the harder it will be to make the necessary moves to strengthen the squad. The urgency is particularly high given that Wolves are trying to establish a cohesive tactical setup under their new head coach, Gary O’Neil. With the right-back position one of the most crucial in O’Neil’s system, it’s imperative that Wolves have a clear solution in place sooner rather than later.

If Semedo decides to leave, it’s vital that Wolves act quickly to secure a replacement. Pre-season is the time when teams establish their tactics, build team chemistry, and get players match fit for the competitive season. Wolves cannot afford to leave the right-back position unresolved, especially as they are aiming to compete at a high level in the Premier League. Moreover, the club needs to avoid the situation where they are scrambling for a replacement in the final days of the transfer window, which could lead to a rushed decision that doesn’t align with the long-term vision for the team.

Wolves are also facing a situation where they need to ensure that the player they bring in is not just a capable right-back but someone who can fit seamlessly into the culture and dynamics of the club. Gary O’Neil has emphasized the importance of bringing in players who are fully committed to the project at Wolves and who want to embrace the challenge of playing in Wolverhampton. O’Neil’s comments suggest that the club is looking for players who are not only talented but also have the right mindset to contribute to the team’s long-term success. This is where Tchatchoua’s apparent preference for Inter Milan is problematic. If a player has already set his sights on another club, forcing a move to Wolves could lead to a lack of commitment or focus, which could ultimately harm the team.

At this point, it seems that Wolves are at a crossroads. While Semedo’s future remains uncertain, it’s clear that the club needs to prepare for the possibility of his departure. The club cannot afford to wait indefinitely for Semedo to make up his mind. The time has come for Wolves to focus on securing a new right-back, whether that’s Marc Pubill or another player who can fulfill the club’s needs. While it’s always difficult to lose a key player, the reality is that Wolves must move forward and ensure they are adequately prepared for the season ahead.

In conclusion, the situation with Nelson Semedo has placed Wolves in a difficult position. They need a decision from him sooner rather than later, as they prepare for the new season. The club cannot afford to wait too long to resolve the right-back position, and with players like Jackson Tchatchoua seemingly out of reach, they must focus on alternative targets like Marc Pubill. Wolves need to make strategic decisions now to ensure they have the right players in place, as pre-season continues and the new season approaches. In the fast-moving world of football, timing is everything, and Wolves need to act swiftly to avoid entering the new season with any lingering uncertainties.