Farewell Pedro Neto

Pedro Neto has officially joined Chelsea after spending five years with Wolves.

Neto arrived at Wolves as a teenager in August 2019, making over 130 appearances, earning the Player of the Season accolade, and securing a spot on the Portugal national team.

Initially signed with future potential in mind, Neto hinted at his promise with a goal and assist on his debut against FC Pyunik. He quickly adapted at Molineux, concluding his first season with five goals and five assists.

By the 2020/21 season, Neto had become a key player in Nuno Espirito Santo’s lineup, delivering memorable performances such as a late winner against Chelsea and an exceptional solo goal at Southampton.

Despite playing in a less successful team the following season, Neto’s contributions remained strong, leading to him being named Player of the Season by both fans and teammates, along with making his senior debut for Portugal.

Unfortunately, injuries hampered Neto’s third and fourth seasons, but last year he bounced back, displaying his skills in old gold. In 24 matches, the 24-year-old provided 11 assists, including key contributions in victories over Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, and scored three goals himself, notably the opener in Wolves’ first triumph at the Hawthorns in 27 years.

After representing Portugal at Euro 2024, Neto returned to the USA to join Gary O’Neil’s squad before completing his permanent transfer to Stamford Bridge.

Sporting director Matt Hobbs stated: “Pedro is a world-class winger who has faced his share of injuries. We’ll miss him, both on the field and around the training ground, where his energy and rapport with everyone was immense. This agreement benefits both the club and Pedro, though it doesn’t make the parting any easier.

“The way we operate, bringing in players like Pedro, is part of our model. While not everyone might appreciate it, we take pride in nurturing talent and the relationships they form here, as well as the clubs they move to.

“For us, the timing and terms of this deal are right. While it’s tough to view it purely as a business decision when it involves someone held in such high regard personally, football is ultimately a business, and we’re satisfied from that standpoint.

“We’re actively exploring options and targets, and that work continues. Gary and I have met several times, anticipating this move might happen this summer.”