Why January transfer window presents Nelson Semedo problem for Wolves despite contract plans

Wolves have a lot of sorting out to do ahead of the January transfer window, including their managerial situation.

Amid a terrible run of form throughout the majority of 2024, Wolves have explored replacements for Gary O’Neil.

The Wolves manager has lost the trust of supporters, leading his squad to a relegation battle and sitting four points from safety after 15 games played.

It’s already understood that Wolves will sign a centre-back in January as the Old Gold look to solve their defensive problems, with another encouraging update emerging this week.

• READ MORE: Three defenders Gary O’Neil could sign in January as Wolves transfer plan becomes clear

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
18	IpswichIpswich	15	1	6	8	14	27	-13	9
19	WolvesWolves	15	2	3	10	23	38	-15	9
20	SouthamptonSouthampton	15	1	2	12	11	31	-20	5

Wolves face possible January transfer problem with Nelson Semedo

While the focus on the January window will be welcoming new players, it’s also a possibility that Wolves will extend the stay of one star defender.

Wolves want to offer Nelson Semedo a new contract with the Portugal international at risk of becoming a free agent in the summer of 2025.

Semedo has grown to become one of the most integral members of O’Neil’s squad, making his desire to extend a considerable boost for Wolves.

While Semedo loves working with O’Neil, the Old Gold are not yet in the clear when it comes to the plan to keep the Portuguese right-back beyond next summer. 

Journalist Liam Keen explained the situation that could cause a ‘battle’ at Molineux in January when it comes to the 31-year-old’s future.

“Wolves are absolutely desperate to keep Nelson Semedo, they’re doing everything they can to make that possible,” Keen said on the E&S Wolves Podcast. 

“In January, he can have conversations with other clubs, he can sign a pre-contract agreement, which will mean he will definitely be leaving in the summer and he can depart.

“With those kinds of deals, because they’re free agents and moving to new clubs, players will get signing on bonuses and different sorts of financial benefits from being a free agent. That’s something Wolves will have to battle with.”

Wolves are clear that they want to keep Semedo around however, the January window presents some challenges, as Keen explained.

How much Semedo earns at Wolves

Usually, the way around contract extensions is rewarding players financially, which would be a considerable chunk of Wolves’ wage budget when it comes to Semedo.

Already, the Portugal international is one of Wolves’ highest-earning players, falling behind only Pablo Sarabia and Goncalo Guedes in that area.

Based on the current figures, handing the defender a new deal would surely make him Wolves’ highest earner beyond 2025.

There’s still a belief that Semedo has another big move in him at 31, making the topic of his future fascinating as he continues to impress in the final year of his contract.