Vitor Pereira could be waving goodbye to Wolves captain Nelson Semedo this summer as his future becomes clearer.
Semedo sees his Wolves contract expire in 2025, with interest from abroad making it difficult for the Portuguese star to remain at Molineux.
While Vitor Pereira wants Semedo to stay, he may not be granted his wish, as a return to work under Bruno Lage is rumoured to be in the pipeline.
Benfica want to sign Semedo once he becomes a free agent, with one journalist explaining five reasons why the 31-year-old is perfect for the Portuguese side.
- READ MORE: Nelson Semedo to Benfica explored in Portugal with five strengths to Wolves transfer outlined
Unsurprisingly, this latest update didn’t go down too well with the Wolves supporters, who have expressed their concerns about the captain potentially departing.
Angry Wolves fans react as Benfica want Nelson Semedo
Confidence in completing a transfer for the Wolves captain is growing in Portugal, as Semedo’s dream is to retire at Benfica, making a move all the more possible.
But, as the flying full-back is one of Pereira’s most influential players, supporters aren’t happy that his contract has been allowed to run down.
Reacting to this update via X, one fan 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.”
“If we let him go this club is a circus,” another fan expressed his anger towards the situation while a third said: “This is absolutely criminal.”
Big mistake will be letting him go, but look at it from his point of view.
— Simon Wooldridge (@sparx83) March 19, 2025
Either another season in England and a relegation battle.
Or
Go back to Portugal, challenge for silverware, play for the biggest club in Portugal. Sunnier climates and play in the champions league.
“Wolves should really hand him a new deal, despite saying they may not renew. If we are letting Nelson go, they need to start giving Pedro Lima more mins or pushing Doc back to RWB. I think Wolves will be making a mistake letting him go,” another supporter pointed out, urging youngster Pedro Lima to play more.
“Bruno’s Revenge,” another simply stated after he was sacked by Wolves in 2022 while a seventh replied: “Losing Semedo will be such a big blow. Replacing him with a player of similar quality will cost a fortune and Fosun won’t do that. Sign him up it’s a no-brainer.”
Big loss for us, theres no way Benfica can pay the wages we are now
— Martin Brown /\_/\ Ⓥ (@mabr82) March 19, 2025
I know we’re offering him less wages than he’s on now
Emmanuel Agbadou should be Wolves next captain
It’s a shame that Wolves are set to lose a valuable member of their squad but they’re powerless in the position.
Semedo’s high wages and interest in joining his former club in Portugal make it nearly impossible to negotiate a deal, and Fosun must plan ahead.
Not only do Wolves need a replacement for the right-back, perhaps Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters, but they also need to find their fourth different captain in the space of 12 months after Max Kilman, Mario Lemina, and Semedo.
On the evidence of his time at the club so far, Emmanuel Agbadou is the ideal Wolves captain, setting an example with his performances and conduct off the pitch.
Agbadou has suggested he’s a leadership figure in the past, and the 27-year-old is reaching the prime years of his career.
So, with his defensive quality, leadership skills and maturity shining through, the Ivorian could be a great option to take the armband.