Kyle Walker-Peters’ stance on moving to Molineux revealed
Wolverhampton Wanderers may soon bid farewell to a long-serving member of their squad, as right-back Nelson Semedo edges closer to the Molineux exit. With just over a week remaining on his current contract, the 31-year-old is set to become a free agent when his deal officially expires on June 30, potentially ending a five-year spell that has seen him make 182 appearances in the black and gold.
Semedo, who joined Wolves from Barcelona in 2020, has been a dependable figure in the side and even captained the team at times. However, his future has remained uncertain for months, and the Portuguese defender has yet to commit to an extension. Speaking shortly after Portugal’s Nations League victory over Germany two weeks ago, Semedo admitted that he needed more “time” to weigh up his next steps, despite the looming expiration of his contract.
Since then, the writing has been on the wall. French club Marseille reportedly turned down the chance to sign Semedo due to his high wage demands, while his former side Benfica—where he first rose to prominence—have also been priced out of a reunion. These developments suggest that Semedo’s next move will likely be influenced heavily by financial considerations.
As Wolves prepare for life after the Portuguese international, manager Vitor Pereira appears to already have a contingency plan in place. And that plan could include a swoop for one of the most versatile full-backs available on the market this summer: Kyle Walker-Peters.
Walker-Peters on Wolves’ Radar as Spurs Return Beckons
Molineux News previously urged Wolves to go all-in for the signature of Kyle Walker-Peters, and recent reports now confirm that the club have joined the race for the Southampton defender. According to football.London, Wolves are seriously considering the 28-year-old as a potential replacement for Semedo, with the timing seemingly perfect—Walker-Peters’ contract at Southampton is also set to expire at the end of the month.
The former Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Everton and Spurs themselves, who are now under new management with Thomas Frank at the helm. Unfortunately for Wolves, Walker-Peters is reportedly “keen” on a return to north London and could be tempted by the opportunity to rejoin his boyhood club—especially as Tottenham have qualified for next season’s UEFA Champions League following their dramatic Europa League final win over Manchester United.
Why Walker-Peters Would Be the Ideal Semedo Successor
If Wolves can somehow convince Walker-Peters to join them instead of returning to Tottenham, it would be a massive coup. The Southampton defender is widely regarded as one of the most well-rounded and adaptable full-backs in English football. He not only brings a wealth of Premier League experience but also offers tactical flexibility—capable of playing at right-back, left-back, or as a wing-back in a back three system.
What makes Walker-Peters such a valuable target is his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Known for his lightning pace, intelligent positioning, and strong defensive awareness, he is equally adept at pushing forward to support attacks as he is at tracking back to snuff out opposition threats. Last season, despite Southampton’s struggles, he was one of their most consistent performers, registering two assists in 33 appearances and standing out in an otherwise disappointing campaign.
Perhaps most appealing for Wolves is that signing Walker-Peters on a free transfer would represent enormous value for money, especially given the rising costs in the transfer market. Bringing in a player of his calibre without a transfer fee would free up funds to strengthen other areas of the squad.
However, the major obstacle remains his reported preference for a move back to Tottenham. Unless Wolves can offer compelling incentives—such as a guaranteed starting role, an ambitious project under Vitor Pereira, or a more attractive financial package—it may be difficult to lure him away from the allure of Champions League football and a reunion with his former club.
Final Thoughts
As the countdown to Semedo’s departure continues, Wolves find themselves at a critical crossroads. Replacing a seasoned player like Semedo is no easy task, but in Kyle Walker-Peters, they may have identified a near-perfect successor. The challenge now lies in persuading the player to join a team in transition rather than a Champions League contender. With time running out and interest from multiple Premier League clubs, Wolves must act swiftly if they are to pull off what could be one of the smartest signings of the summer.