Wolverhampton Wanderers 'likely to trigger Nelson Semedo contract option'

In 2020, the West Midlands outfit paid in the region of £30m to sign the right-back from Barcelona in a move which was considered to be a notable transfer.

However, the 29-year-old has not lived up to his price-tag, even though he has been provided with 94 appearances in all competitions.

As well as sometimes struggling defensively, the Portugal international has contributed just two goals and four assists under Nuno Espirito Santo, Bruno Lage, Steve Davis and Julen Lopetegui.

Semedo is now in a position where he has just over three months remaining on his contract, giving him the option to hold discussions with foreign clubs.

While Wolves possess the option to activate a two-year extension in Semedo's deal, they are yet to do so, owing to more factors than just the player's inconsistent performances.

Semedo is allegedly one of the club's biggest earners, while Wolves are currently embroiled in a fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, the Wolves hierarchy are planning to automatically extend Semedo's terms until 2025.

That move is expected to be undertaken in order to safeguard Semedo's transfer value, even if Wolves would still stand to make a loss on what they paid three years ago.

The report suggests that Wolves would still be open to a sale in the summer if they were relegated to the second tier of English football.

Furthermore, Semedo would have little interest in playing in the Championship, Wolves' perception seemingly being that they can only benefit from a contract renewal.

Wolves are currently short of competition at right-back with Jonny instead being used ahead of Rayan Ait-Nouri and the injured Hugo Bueno on the opposite flank.

The Spaniard is now due to serve a suspension, however, leaving Semedo to continue at full-back unless Lopetegui opts to hand an opportunity to Nathan Collins.