In a significant development for Wolves, the club’s captain and long-serving right-back, Nelson Semedo, has officially announced his departure from Molineux, bringing an end to his five-year tenure with the Premier League side. The 31-year-old Portuguese international, whose contract expired in June 2025, confirmed his exit via a heartfelt video on Instagram on July 30, 2025, leaving fans reflecting on his impactful legacy at the club.
Semedo, who joined Wolves from Barcelona in September 2020 for an initial £27.5 million (potentially rising to £36.7 million with add-ons), made over 150 Premier League appearances for the club, establishing himself as a reliable and versatile defender. His journey at Wolves was not without its challenges, as he initially struggled to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League following his high-profile move from the Catalan giants. However, Semedo’s perseverance and growth saw him become a fan favourite, culminating in his appointment as club captain in December 2024 under former manager Gary O’Neil.
What's Next for Semedo?
Despite Wolves’ efforts to retain their captain, offering a generous four-year contract extension, Semedo expressed a desire for a new challenge after five years at the club. Manager Vitor Pereira, who publicly praised Semedo’s importance, stating, “Nelson is fantastic, that’s why we need to keep him,” was unable to convince the defender to stay, as financial considerations and Semedo’s high salary demands played a role in the decision. Reports indicate that Semedo rejected offers from clubs like Marseille, citing unsatisfactory salary terms, and was linked with a return to his former club Benfica, as well as interest from Inter Milan and Saudi Arabian clubs.
His Farewell
In his farewell message, Semedo expressed gratitude to Wolves’ fans, staff, and teammates, highlighting the connection he built with the Molineux faithful. His leadership was particularly notable during a turbulent period for the club, as he helped stabilize the dressing room amid a poor run of results and the departure of key players like Matheus Cunha to Manchester United and Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester City. His close bond with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who dubbed him his “partner in crime” after Portugal’s 2025 Nations League triumph, has fueled speculation of a potential move to Old Trafford, though no deal has been confirmed.
