Wolves say goodbye to stalwart Nelson Semedo signalling new era at Molineux

National World - LocalTV

Nelson Semedo has left Wolverhampton Wanderers after five seasons, bringing to a close a spell that saw him evolve from a scrutinised arrival into an unlikely leader and captain. Signed from Barcelona in 2020 for £27.5 million, Semedo was handed the unenviable task of replacing Matt Doherty, a fan favourite. Early signs were mixed.

Transcript

00:00Nelson Semedo has left Wolverhampton Wunderers after five seasons, bringing to a close a

00:06spell that saw him evolve from a scrutinised arrival into an unlikely leader and captain.

00:13Signed from Barcelona in 2020, Semedo was handed the unenviable task of replacing Matt

00:18Doherty, a fan favourite. Early signs were mixed, he struggled defensively in a back

00:24four and fans questioned whether the significant outlay had delivered value.

00:30But when shifted into a wing-back role in a three-man defence, Semedo slowly found his

00:35rhythm. His athleticism, work rate and professionalism began to shine through, even if defensive lapses

00:42and attacking inconsistencies still featured. By 2023, Wolves had to decide whether to activate

00:49a two-year extension in his contract. They did and the decision proved smart. Semedo delivered

00:55his best football under Gary O'Neal and then Vitor Pereira, adding consistency and composure

01:01to his game.

01:03While others faltered or moved on, Semedo became a steady presence and an example to younger

01:08players. He was named captain in late 2024, following Mario Lamina's demotion and retained

01:14the armband under Pereira. In a dressing room that risked fragmentation amid poor results and

01:21senior departures. Semedo was the glue that held things together, a quiet leader who inspired

01:27through actions more than words.

01:31Wolves offered him a new four-year deal, but Semedo had chosen to move on. They don't know

01:36where they're going to go in terms of a replacement, but they've lost a respected professional.

01:42Though unlikely to enter the Wolves Hall of Fame, Semedo will be remembered fondly.

01:47From shaky beginnings to becoming a captain, he embodied resilience and commitment.

01:54Fans now see him as a solid, mature figure who helped guide the club through turbulent times.

02:00In many ways, his journey in the black country mirrors Wolves' own evolution.

02:06Flawed transitional, but ultimately one of growth. His legacy may not be loud, but it's lasting

02:12at Molineux.

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