Nelson Semedo is likely to return to Benfica as his Wolves contract nears its end, sources close to Molineux News understand.
After being made club captain earlier in the season, Semedo’s future at Molineux is in doubt as his contract nears its expiration.
Though Vitor Pereira wants Semedo to stay at Wolves, it could be that the defender moves on after almost five years in the West Midlands.
The Portugal international has found a place to call home at Molineux but, a return to his true home could be on the cards as speculation continues to grow.
Nelson Semedo expected to leave Wolves for Benfica
Semedo is wanted by Benfica, who are currently managed by former Wolves manager Bruno Lage.
The right-back left the Portuguese giants in 2017 to join Barcelona, then moved on to Wolves to experience Premier League football.
Lage has spoken about welcoming Semedo to Benfica as a free agent in the summer, with further insight into the player’s future now provided.
Speaking to Molineux News, TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey revealed that Semedo is ‘likely’ to sign for Benfica ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
“Semedo’s had a fantastic time, undervalued in a lot of ways, but I’m told the Benfica links are genuine and he’s likely to go,” the transfer expert said, adding that Wolves are already looking at possible replacements.
Bailey insisted that despite Semedo’s likely return to Benfica, there is no bad blood between the player and Wolves, comparing the transfer situation to that of Ruben Neves in 2023.
“I think Semedo has been very respectful to Wolves, the relationship Wolves have got with these Portuguese players, we saw it with Ruben Neves and it’ll be the same with Semedo.
“Like Neves, he goes with best wishes but I think he will be heading back to Portugal.”
Though the 31-year-old has been at Wolves for some time, this season Semedo has become an essential member of Pereira’s squad, making his eventual exit rather punishing.
Semedo’s Benfica career
Semedo rose through the ranks of Benfica’s B team before becoming a valued member of the squad.
In Portugal, the Wolves star won an array of silverware, including two league titles in 2016 and 2017.
| Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 65 | 3 | 12 |
The 2016/17 season was essential for the defender’s career, paving the way for his transfer to Barcelona where he went on to play alongside some of the world’s best.
Now at Wolves, Semedo’s chapter could come to an end after five years, with a return to where it began on the cards.