Wolves have been warned of a problem they could face in the summer when it comes to Pedro Neto, as Gary O’Neil prepares for the opening of the transfer window.
Wolves losing key players was the narrative of last year’s summer transfer window, as Julen Lopetegui parted ways with several stars in a bid to gain much-needed profit.
Fundamental players over the 2022/23 campaign such as Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes departed for hefty profit however, quality was not able to be restored due to the financial pressures that Fosun were forced to combat.
This summer must be different for Wolves, who have been fortunate to have Gary O’Neil at the helm to tackle the highs and lows of navigating a Premier League season with a small squad, with reinforcements desperately needed.
That being said, incomings won’t be the only area of the transfer window expected to gain attention this summer, with departures also a possibility.
One player who has had his future at Molineux heavily speculated is Pedro Neto, who journalist Liam Keen suspects could cause a problem this summer for one reason.
Pedro Neto future could cause Wolves a problem
Speaking on The Keen & Judah Show, the Wolves expert explained the concerns he has surrounding Neto’s future, not only regarding the prospect of him leaving.
The winger has been electrifying at times this season however, his fitness has been an issue once more, a narrative that has sadly followed the 24-year-old during his time in the Midlands.
READ MORE: Who is Pedro Neto? Wolves’ incredibly gifted winger who has lit up the Premier League
Touching on the injury record of Neto, and how it could be detrimental to his price tag, Keen said:
“If Wolves can get £60m for Pedro Neto, despite his age and the fact he’s been so so good, that’s probably good business because of the injuries.
“I just fear that a player with so many injuries that this might be a recurring theme, for his sake I hope it isn’t but that for me is the biggest concern from a Wolves point of view.”
It wasn’t long ago that it was suggested that Wolves could demand a price as high as £80m for Neto, who was in searing form earlier this season although, it’s now expected that a bid in that region is unlikely due to the forward’s damning injury record.
Pedro Neto sale might come at the perfect time this summer
While Wolves would ideally never part ways with Neto, who was lauded as ‘outrageous’ earlier this term for his form in front of goal by Keen himself, this year may be the optimum time for the Old Gold to offload the winger.
READ MORE: Five ideal Pedro Neto replacements Wolves must target this summer
It’s now been three seasons since Neto secured more than 20 appearances in a Premier League campaign, with his absences not easing due to him being prone to injury.
Only this week, it was claimed that Newcastle have been watching the Portuguese gem, but have their reservations over signing him due to his inability to be able to play an entire season.
For that reason, Keen is correct to say that Wolves would complete ‘good business’ if they were to secure a healthy profit for Neto this summer, with there the possibility of a significant drop in valuation if his 2024/25 campaign was to follow history and be plagued by injury.
It’s a thought for the future that the Old Gold must consider, with the price tag and suitors for Neto there to be tested this summer, in what could prove to be a smart move based purely on the 24-year-old’s difficulties with injury over the years.