Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has provided an interesting verdict about the future of Pedro Neto at Molineux beyond the summer transfer window.
It’s poised to be an interesting summer at Wolves, as Gary O’Neil seeks much-needed reinforcements while aiming to retain key players.
A number of the Old Gold’s top talents have become speculation of a potential exit, with a repeat of last summer something that the club will hope to avoid.
READ MORE: Deciding whether to keep or sell every single Wolves player this summer
Financial restrictions meant that Wolves were forced to part ways with some of their most valuable players, including Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes, who departed with no room to be replaced by Fosun’s budget.
While adding to the depth of the squad will be crucial in the upcoming transfer window if the club is to kick on under O’Neil, retaining players is just as important, with the future of Pedro Neto a narrative that has surrounded Wolves all season.
Gary O’Neil says Pedro Neto would be fine with staying at Wolves next season
At 24 years old, Neto is one of Wolves’ most valuable assets in the current squad, with interest in the winger rising throughout the 2023/24 campaign due to his searing form at the start of the season.
In the opening 10 Premier League games, Neto contributed to eight goals as O’Neil looked to be getting the best out of the Portuguese forward.
As a result, rumours began to circulate about whether the reported Arsenal and Liverpool target would be at Wolves next term.
Now, O’Neil has spoken out on the topic of Neto’s future, admitting that he doesn’t know how the attacker will feel if an offer was to come in this summer, as relayed by Express and Star.
“I don’t know how he’ll feel if or when an offer comes from a big club, obviously it can turn your head, but at this moment in time, if we told him there’s no offers coming in and he’ll be at Wolves next season, he’d be absolutely fine with that.”
The manager explained that the 24-year-old is a committed member of the Wolves squad, saying that he’s “really happy” to be at Molineux despite an influx of links away from the club.
Pedro Neto transfer scenario is difficult for Wolves ahead of the summer
Back in February, Metro reported that the Old Gold could ask for a fee as high as £80m for Neto, who was showing an unplayable quality on the right flank in the Premier League.
If such a figure was presented in the summer, it would be difficult for Wolves to refuse, considering that despite his quality, the Portuguese winger is somewhat replaceable in O’Neil’s squad.
Of course, Wolves would ideally keep hold of Neto however, the manager has been able to adapt to life without him throughout this season, with the 24-year-old’s campaign being struck by injury once again, managing just 19 appearances in the Premier League so far.
The Midlands club’s progression starts with O’Neil’s ability to add depth and quality to his squad, with a sum for Neto having the possibility to replenish a host of areas at the expense of losing the electrifying talent.
It will be an interesting narrative to follow this summer, as Wolves will surely hold out for a high fee for their prized possession if he is to generate interest.