In the coming weeks and months, Gary O’Neil has several issues to resolve, including the futures of multiple Wolves stars.
On Friday, it was announced that Wolves had offered Matheus Cunha a ‘lucrative’ contract, rewarding his stunning form at the start of this season.
It is accepted that keeping Cunha in the January transfer window, amid interest from Manchester United, is the key to their survival.
Gary O’Neil must also resolve the futures of four players whose contracts are expiring in 2025. Defensive stalwart Craig Dawson and captain Mario Lemina are expected to stay.
Meanwhile, Wolves are unlikely to offer Pablo Sarabia fresh terms, along with right-back Nelson Semedo.
- READ MORE: The four Wolves players whose contracts expire in 2025 as key Gary O’Neil decisions await
Nelson Semedo set to leave Wolves in 2025
A report from The Telegraph suggests that Semedo is expected to leave as a free agent at the end of the 2024/25 season.
The 31-year-old has been a key figure for O’Neil since he arrived at the club, and this term, he’s started each of the 10 Premier League games he’s been available, even captaining Wolves in the draw against Crystal Palace.
In an ideal world, Wolves would keep the Portuguese international – who has recorded two assists; however, the former Barcelona man is one of the club’s highest earners.
Per Capology, Semedo earns £80,000-per-week, placing him above the likes of Cunha, Hwang Hee-chan and Lemina currently.
| Wolves highest earners per week |
| Goncalo Guedes – £90,000 |
| Pablo Sarabia – £90,000 |
| Nelson Semedo – £80,000 |
| Hwang Hee-chan – £70,000 |
| Matheus Cunha – £60,000 |
| Boubacar Traore – £55,000 |
With Fosun looking to cut back on wages, it wouldn’t be wise for Wolves to renew Semedo’s contract, especially when they already have his replacement lined up.
Pedro Lima can replace Semedo at Wolves
In the summer, Wolves built a squad with the present and future in mind. For instance, teenage centre-back Bastien Meupiyou was signed from Nantes in Ligue 1, while 18-year-old Pedro Lima arrived from Sport Recipe in Brazil.
Brazilian superstar Cunha helped persuade Lima to join Wolves over Chelsea, and although supporters haven’t seen much of him yet, they perhaps will in 2025.
The teenage sensation is seen as the heir to Semedo’s throne at right wing-back, as Lima has been compared to Cafu, one of the finest full-backs to grace the beautiful game.
Lima made his first senior start for Wolves in a 2-0 victory over Burnley in the Carabao Cup in August and even assisted Guedes for one of his two goals.
Sadly, after playing 64 minutes in the 3-2 loss to Brighton, the 2006-born star suffered an ankle injury for the under-21s last month.
However, it was revealed on Thursday that Lima had returned to training, with the Brazilian wonderkid now hoping to show why he’s the perfect Semedo replacement.
Liam Keen previously labelled Lima an ‘exciting’ talent, and perhaps he can now save Wolves millions in the transfer window.