Wolves are likely to be searching for a new captain this summer as Nelson Semedo looks to be on his way out.
June 30th is the final day on Semedo’s contract, with no decision made on whether the right-back will stay or go.
With time running out, all signs are pointing to Semedo leaving, with plenty of interest out there for the Portugal international.
It will be a blow for Wolves to lose such a vital part of the defence as well as a player with vast experience and leadership qualities.
Wolves have had to swiftly change captains over the past few years, with Ruben Neves leaving in 2023, only to be replaced in the role by Max Kilman, who left the following summer.
Mario Lemina then took the armband, but lost it midway through last season, handing it to Semedo, who is now likely to leave.
The constant passing of the armband is not sustainable, emphasising the need for Wolves to be wise when selecting their next skipper.
- READ MORE: Wolves fans slam ‘disrespectful’ Nelson Semedo as club refuse to do one thing in negotiations
Wolves fans debate who should be club captain
There has been some talk about the pros and cons of Joao Gomes becoming captain, as the midfielder’s passion and love for the club make him a top candidate.
Taking to X, journalist Nathan Judah sparked a debate with fans on who should be next to wear the armband, with two players taking a lot of the vote.
From his options, Judah named Gomes, Emmanuel Agbadou and Toti Gomes as three possibilities, with fans split between the Brazil international and the January signing.
Gomes collected almost 50% of the vote, with Agbadou winning over 42% of fans, to which Wolves fans shared their thoughts.
“Heart says Joao, but I would be worried he would carry too much weight on his shoulders. Agba seems the logical choice. Has a presence and aura.”
Another fan echoed this stance, airing their concern that the Brazilian is ‘too emotional’ to take on the duty.
“I love Joao but he would be far too emotional for it.”
Another said, “Joao Gomes is the only shining light left at the club with any value, need to do all we can to keep him, walks into any team in the league.”
Others mentioned Gomes too, but that’s where Agbadou came into discussion, with the Ivorian’s past experience of being captain coming into play.
“Probably Joao Gomes because it gives me Neves vibes & comes with us development. But Agbadou is experienced, was capt at Reims and if fit is playing every minute.”
“Gomes is the heart, soul, and engine of the team in my opinion and one of my personal favorite players to wear the kit, but – assuming he has the respect of the locker room – I’d probably pick Agbadou. We need to play it a bit safer after the temperament issues of last season.”
“Gomes or Agba for me,” a supporter responded, as the Ivory Coast international’s claim to captaincy grew.
“Think Agba would be a good captain but I think it’s better for it to be a player that’s been here a couple years.”
It wasn’t just Gomes and Agbadou who were in Wolves fans’ thoughts, with other notable leaders nominated by several supporters.
“Jose Sa because he experienced and been here longest probably not everyone first choice but think he’ll be a decent leader.”
“Toti would be a good shout him or Agbadou or even Mosquera I wouldn’t mind.”
Having been on Wolves’ books on and off for the best part of 12 years, it came as no surprise to see Matt Doherty’s name mentioned.
“It’s got to be Doherty for me but wouldn’t mind Joao of he’s committed to Wolves. That said would put a few million on his price tag anyway.”
“More than likely be doc as club captain for next season with Joao taking the armband if he doesn’t play.”
Wolves need to break their captaincy curse
The role of captaincy is one that is a privilege, a duty that cannot lose its status by being passed on from player to player.
After Neves left, the decision to promote Kilman to captain was questioned, even more so when the Englishman left to sign for West Ham.
Following Lemina’s fallout and Semedo’s pending exit, the trend has to be broken, giving Pereira a real job to select his next skipper.
Will it be Gomes or Agbadou, or will it be an entirely different figure? We’ll find out soon.