Nelson Semedo could bid an emotional farewell to Wolves in the summer after an incredible five years at Molineux.
Semedo is set to leave Wolves once his contract expires, leaving Vitor Pereira powerless in the situation.
Pereira wants Semedo to stay, although as things stand, negotiations are at a standstill and it’s looking increasingly likely that the 31-year-old will depart.
The Portuguese international has been linked with a return to work under Bruno Lage, as Benfica have shown an interest in Semedo, though his high wages mean they will struggle to afford him.
So, with the energetic wing-back seemingly on his way out, Wolves must find a replacement for him and they should look in the French league.
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Lorenz Assignon should replace Nelson Semedo at Wolves
In the January transfer window, Wolves had success shopping in the Ligue 1 market as Emmanuel Agbadou and Marshall Munetsi arrived from Stade Reims.
Pereira should repeat that success by prising attacking right-back Lorenz Assignon away from Rennes, who could be the perfect replacement for Semedo.
As demonstrated by the above graphic, Assignon averages more key passes per game than Semedo while creating more big chances and providing more attacking involvements.
The Wolves captain only trumps the Frenchman for tackles and duels, which suggests the Rennes star is an improvement on the Portuguese dynamo in an attacking sense.
Still only 24-years-old, Assignon has plenty of time to develop into his potential and could be the ideal long-term replacement in the wing-back role.
Interestingly, Assignon was only valued at £8.5 million last year, although it will be interesting to see how much that has increased by after a stunning campaign in Ligue 1.
Assignon would add a new dimension to Wolves
Semedo has been a brilliant servant to the club and losing him would be a massive blow to Pereira, who wants him to stay.
But, should the experienced full-back leave, Assignon is someone who can add an extra dimension down the wing for Wolves.
As highlighted by FBref, the Frenchman ranks in the top 7% of full-backs across Europe for non-penalty goals, the top 5% for progressive carries, and the top 4% for touches (att pen).
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Just like Rayan Ait-Nouri on the left flank, who is arguably the best wing-back in the division at the moment, Assignon’s statistics suggest he can pose a similar threat.
Rennes' active academy graduates:
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) September 9, 2024
Eduardo Camavinga
Ousmane Dembélé
Mathys Tel
Désiré Doué
Lesley Ugochukwu
Sacha Boey
Adrien Truffert
Georginio Rutter
Lilian Brassier
Sofiane Diop
Jeanuël Belocian
Armand Laurienté
Wilson Isidor
Lorenz Assignon
Matthis Abline
Abdoulaye Doucouré… pic.twitter.com/yqlNi3WyV7
The promising full-back has been lauded as an ‘elite’ talent, and if he had the opportunity to work under Pereira, his stock and value would skyrocket even further.