With 2024 just around the corner, here are three Wolves players that Gary O’Neil needs to offer a new contract to in 2024.
Wolves fans had an early Christmas present yesterday as Hwang Hee-Chan signed a new long-term contract with the West Midlands side. After a stupendous run of form this season which has seen him net nine goals, the South Korean international is now locked down at the club until 2028.
Contracts have become a big part of football over recent years with clubs now missing out on potential fees due to players leaving on a free. Wolves were a victim to this over the summer with Joao Moutinho and Adama Traore both choosing to leave at the end of their contracts.
The club were also forced to cash in on captain Ruben Neves over fears that he may also follow suit.
As a result, Wolves have renewed plenty of contracts so far this season. Prior to Hwang, Jose Sa and Hugo Bueno also signed new deals while Daniel Podence also signed an extension before his loan.
However, there are still plenty of players who ideally need to be signed up to better deals over the next 12 months. Below, we have listed three players who we believe O’Neil needs to target in 2024.
Nelson Semedo
The right-back has been ever-present in the starting line-up so far this season.
Despite poor recent form, Semedo is still a highly important player to the side. His performances upon O’Neil’s appointment were fantastic and he has really come on since moving to England in 2020.
The defender’s contract was set to expire back in the summer of 2023. However, Wolves chose to active a two-year extension in his contract. As a result, the 30-year-old’s deal is set to expire in 18 months.
Given his importance to the team, Wolves cannot afford to risk his value depleting over the next year and a half. If so, they risk losing Semedo for below his value or for free at the end of his contract.
A new, deal for the right-back should be looked at to ensure that a first-teamer’s immediate future is secure.
Mario Lemina
The midfielder has been one of Wolves’ standout players so far this campaign.
His performances against Spurs and Newcastle were a joy to behold. Upon his suspension against Arsenal, it became clear how important Lemina was to the team as Wolves struggled at the Emirates.
When the 30-year-old signed for the club last January, it was only on a two-and-a-half-year deal. This means that his contract is set to expire in 2025.
Given his importance to the team, a new contract has to be on the way for the midfielder. The longer Wolves wait, it may give another team a chance to come in for the 30-year-old who has been linked away in the past.
Pedro Neto
Neto is vital to Wolves’ long-term success.
Despite being injured for the past two months, the winger still sits at the top of the Premier League assist charts with seven. His form had seen him nominated for multiple Premier League Player of the Month awards as well.
However, with these performances also come rumours. Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa have all been reported to have shown interest in the winger.
Despite him being locked down until 2027, a new contract would certainly put off any potential suitors for the time being.
Keeping Neto at Molineux must be one of O’Neil’s top priorities going into the new year as he could help catapult Wolves back into European contention.