Wolves’ 1999 Signing Valued Higher Than Pedro Neto, Club Hits Jackpot!
Wolverhampton Wanderers have gone without a win in their last six matches, with their last Premier League victory dating back to 9 March against Fulham. This streak has hindered their chances of securing a top-half finish in the league; however, it shouldn’t overshadow the commendable job Gary O’Neil has done in his debut season at Molineux.
Recent weeks have been challenging due to multiple injuries impacting the team. Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-Chan were sidelined for a period before returning to action, while Craig Dawson, a pivotal player in defense, may miss the remainder of the season due to injury.
The injury sustained by Pedro Neto could significantly impact Wolverhampton Wanderers’ performance in the top flight, particularly considering his impressive contributions throughout the season.
Pedro Neto’s performance for Wolves in the 2023/24 season highlights his impact on the team. However, the previous season, 2022/23, was marred by a serious ankle injury that sidelined him for 20 matches. This injury also cost him a chance to participate in the 2022 World Cup, where he had a decent opportunity to secure a place in the Portugal squad.
As a result of the injury, Pedro Neto played only 21 matches, managing to score just once during that period. It became evident that a strong and injury-free pre-season was crucial for him to realize his full potential.
Pedro Neto’s performance notably improved after a solid pre-season, evidenced by his seven assists and one goal in the first ten Premier League matches under Gary O’Neil’s management. However, a hamstring injury sidelined him for nine games, although he returned with another goal and two assists in subsequent matches against top-tier opponents like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur. The absence of Neto’s creative prowess and chance creation has been felt by Wolves, coinciding with their winless streak.
Among his teammates, Neto stands out for his nine assists, ranking first in the Premier League. He also ranks second for shots per game (1.8), third for big chances created (seven), and first for key passes per match (2), showcasing his significant impact on Wolves’ attacking play.
Despite his impressive performances, injuries have affected Neto’s market value, which currently stands at £18.5 million. However, this valuation is expected to rise significantly once he returns to full fitness.
Gary O’Neil could consider selling Neto during the summer transfer window to strengthen the squad further, potentially making a substantial profit. Interestingly, Wolves previously sold Robbie Keane in 2001 for a fee that, adjusted for inflation, surpasses Neto’s current market value by almost £10 million. Keane, who began his career at Wolves and scored 25 goals in 77 matches for the club, emerged as a top talent, attracting a significant transfer fee from Coventry City in 1999.
Wolves made a remarkable transfer move back in the late 1990s when they sold Robbie Keane, a young player yet to experience the Premier League, for a decent fee at that time. However, when adjusted for inflation by Totally Money, the £8.1 million transfer fee received from Coventry City in 1999 would now be valued at a staggering £27.9 million in 2024.
This valuation is nearly £10 million higher than Pedro Neto’s current market value in 2024, showcasing the excellent business Wolves were doing in the transfer market 25 years ago, especially considering Keane’s impact for the club.
After leaving Wolves, Keane’s journey took him to Inter Milan for a brief spell before returning to England with Leeds United.
