Wolves opted to offload Pedro Neto during the summer transfer window as Chelsea purchased the winger.
Neto was one of three of Gary O’Neil’s first team players to bid farewell to Molineux over the summer, with captain Max Kilman and Daniel Podence also departing.
There was a sense of inevitability regarding Neto’s future at Wolves beyond the 2023/24 campaign, which was made clear as an attractive offer was tabled for the Portuguese ace.
Chelsea secured the forward’s signature to the tune of £54m, bringing his five-year association with Wolves to an end.
Pedro Neto makes Wolves admission after joining Chelsea
After impressing during his last season at Wolves, it was expected that Neto would leave in the summer as the 24-year-old generated transfer interest.
There were some concerns that Wolves wouldn’t get the price they desired for the Portugal international due to his woeful injury record although, Chelsea delivered the funds.
Wolves fans quickly felt hurt by Neto, as he wildly celebrated recording an assist against the Old Gold at Molineux, leaving many unimpressed with the way he carried himself.
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Amid trying to get in the starting XI and impress in Enzo Maresca’s packed squad, Neto scored his first goal for the Blues in the Carabao Cup against Barrow.
Speaking after the game, the winger shared an interesting scope on why he decided to leave Wolves for Chelsea in the summer, as journalist Kieran Gill reported.
“In Wolverhampton, I was going to play maybe 90 per cent of the games. Here I have to work,” Neto said.
“It makes you play even better. With the quality we have, no one can sleep. It’s the mentality that I hope can take us to the top.”
The former Wolves star is relishing the competition at Stamford Bridge and seems ready to take the next step in his development.
Wolves had to cash in on Neto
Losing Neto was devastating for Wolves, as a player of the winger’s calibre is incredibly difficult to replace on a limited budget.
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O’Neil welcomed two electrifying wingers in Carlos Forbs and Rodrigo Gomes, with both talents showing great promise but reserve the requirement to fully adapt.
It would have been preferred that Wolves could have kept Neto for the season although, given the player’s injury record, there was no guarantee that a fee as high as £54m would arise later down the line.
As a result, the Portuguese star earned a move to the capital, where he hopes to continue to grow as a player.