Wolves fans may well have witnessed Ruben Neves for the final time at Molineux yesterday.
The captain has been heavily linked with an exit from the club for most of the season, with Barcelona reportedly very keen to sign him.
Neves was expected to depart last year, but he ended up staying and assuming the captaincy.
Wolves fans are not expecting that to happen again this summer, and it does appear very likely he will go.
Yesterday against Everton, Julen Lopetegui substituted Neves off towards the end of the contest.
He was given the standing ovation he absolutely deserved, and Neves appeared as though he was saying goodbye. He embraced several teammates, before giving a wave just before he left the field.
The man who went off with him, Adama Traore, spoke about Neves after the game. He’s not sure if Neves will definitely be leaving, but he heaped praise on the 26-year-old.
He said (Wolves official): “I don’t know if it’s a goodbye, all I know is he’s with us now. He’s a great player, great person, great captain. He’s an example for the team. He’s been many years here and is one of the important players who has passed in the team.
“Whatever, if he stays or goes, I will wish him all the best because he’s a great person and player.”
Traore himself quite possibly made his last home appearance for Wolves yesterday, too.
The Spaniard’s contract expires at the end of next month, and he has been strongly linked with an exit as a free agent.
Given his lack of starts under Lopetegui, it would not be a surprise if he did depart.
Wolves fans will join Adama Traore in wishing Ruben Neves well
After yesterday, it would be astonishing if Neves was still a Wolves player at the start of next season.
That looked like a goodbye, and given everything that’s been written, he will surely go this time. He’s already said about wanting to play in the Champions League again, and yesterday he reiterated that message.
When the time comes, Wolves fans will wish him the best.
He has been an outstanding servant for the club and has given so many amazing memories.
He’s a Molineux legend, and one of the best players ever to don the shirt. No one will begrudge him moving on to further his professional career.