Vitor Pereira delivers clear Nelson Semedo verdict with Wolves captain set for exit

Wolves are facing the prospect of losing their captain for a third summer in a row, with Nelson Semedo’s contract expiring in just a few months.

Semedo is reportedly likely to leave Wolves, after what will have been five years at Molineux.

The player arrived at the club from Barcelona, and has got better and better as the years have gone by.

Last season he was named Players’ Player of the Season at Wolves, and he himself felt he had his best campaign to date.

But Wolves could very well lose him this summer.

It’s been suggested Semedo has interest from his former club Benfica, and Inter Milan also got linked with a move recently.

For Vitor Pereira, what should happen with Nelson Semedo this summer is very clear.

Pereira adamant Nelson Semedo should get a new contract at Wolves

Semedo has once again been a mainstay in the starting XI at Wolves this season.

He’s made 31 appearances so far, and of course, he became Wolves captain following the antics of Mario Lemina.

He has stepped into that role and done well, helping restore order and calm to the dressing room.

And Pereira is clearly pleased with what he’s seen from the 31-year-old, and has now stated publicly that he wants the player to stay.

He said (via Express & Star): “Nelson is fantastic, that’s why we need to keep him.

“I have spoken to him and the club, but now they need to find the middle of the bridge.

“If it’s my decision, I want to keep him, but the money is not my money,.

“But he (Semedo) is very important for us, not only on the pitch, but off it.”

Data indicates Semedo has performed strongly since Pereira arrived in December, so it’s little wonder the Portuguese is keen to keep him.

Fosun must hand Pereira his wish over Semedo

Of course, there is a chance Semedo – who cost Wolves around £29 million – will ultimately not want to stay at Wolves and look to embark on a new chapter.

But it’s been suggested there is an openness on the player’s side to remain at Molineux.

It’s all going to depend on whether Wolves can present favourable terms.

The manager’s wish is clear, and it’s on Fosun and the club to ensure that it happens.

But Pereira may not get his wish. Semedo is a very high earner at Wolves and Fosun’s desire for the club to be self-sustaining might see them lose the star this summer.

Ange Postecoglou reveals there’s something he ‘felt all along’ about Wolves this season

Wolves are preparing to extend their impressive run of form against Tottenham on matchday 32.

The end of the 2024/25 Premier League season is in sight, giving Vitor Pereira incentive to end the campaign on a high.

Pereira has turned things around at Wolves since taking charge in December, remaining unbeaten in his first three games as manager.

One of the fixtures was Wolves’ 2-2 draw with Tottenham away from home, and now, the return meeting between the two clubs awaits the Old Gold.

• READ MORE: Vitor Pereira can tip the form balance in Wolves’ favour with fourth win on the bounce against Tottenham

Ange Postecoglou draws attention to Wolves’ quality

Before being unveiled as Wolves manager, Pereira had faced several Premier League managers during his career.

The Portuguese coach crossed paths with Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou when the pair managed teams in Asia, something the Australian commented on in his pre-match press conference.

Ahead of the clash at Molineux, Postecoglou spoke highly of Pereira’s work in the West Midlands.

“I’ve known Vito for a while, we crossed paths in Asia and good manager, good guy, and like I said, I think he stabilised them [Wolves],” the Spurs manager told the media.

Postecoglou then revealed one thing he’s always known about Wolves, even before Pereira took the reins from Gary O’Neil.

“When he obviously took over, it was a bit dicey for them, but they’re in a good place, but I felt all along they had good players.

“They’ve got good individual players for sure. They’ve got some real talent in that team, so it’s a good challenge for us.”

Despite Wolves failing to place higher than 17th all season, the talent in the Old Gold’s squad is noticeable, with a show to put on at Molinuex on Sunday afternoon.

Vitor Pereira not ready to ‘relax’ against Postecoglou

In his pre-match press conference, Pereira also mentioned his history with Postecoglou, calling for his side not to take their foot off the gas just yet.

Wolves are close to being mathematically safe from relegation, but the job is not yet done.

“We cannot relax, because we are still in the fight,” Pereira told the media before commenting on Spurs’ poor season.

“I’ve known the manager for a long time, since the Japanese team, and he’s a fantastic coach with ideas, but he’s in a difficult season.

“Yesterday, I saw a team with hunger, and we need to keep our level, our ambition, committed, mentally prepared to face this team.”

Three points against the Lilywhites would be a dream result for Wolves, who would not only step away from the bottom three but could open the door to a finish higher than 17th.