WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: A corner flag with a Wolves emblem on a corner flag ahead of the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux on December 27, 2020 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Sam Bagnall - AMA/Getty Images)
The Wolves attacker has been in superb form to begin the new season.
Wolves manager Gary O’Neill spoke out on Monday Night Football about the future of the in-form Pedro Neto.
Neto, 23, has been on a roll at the start of the new season under O’Neil, leading the Premier League assist charts and demonstrating that he is back to his best after a difficult injury spell.
He provided another assist during their weekend win over Bournemouth, teeing up Matheus Cunha for their equalizer, bringing his total to six assists in nine games – he’s also scored once during that time.
Of course, there have been rumors that he could join Liverpool and eventually replace Mohamed Salah (as previously reported here). He, too, is a tricky, quick, and direct left-footed right-winger who could move on to a bigger club in the future.
Journalist Neil Jones claimed earlier this month that “I know Neto has admirers at Anfield,” but O’Neil explained on Monday Night Football that the Wolves attacker is happy at the club right now.
“He’s incredibly happy at Wolves,” said the Molineux manager, who was previously on the Liverpool coaching staff. “He’s enjoying his football and has regained some form.”
“He’s had a difficult couple of years with some bad injuries and form, but he’s now performing at his peak.” He’s very settled and content at the club, and we’re going to try to help him achieve some big things while he’s here.”
As a 20-year-old, he made his debut behind closed doors during the 2020/21 season. In 31 games, he had five goals and six assists, earning his full international debut in the early part of that season.
However, a terrible knee injury in April 2021 kept him out for nearly 300 days, and it took him some time last season to adjust before returning to the form we’re all seeing now.
With Saudi Arabia likely to pursue Mo Salah again next summer, Neto is a ready-made Premier League-proven replacement who could step up to that right wing role.Replacing such a legend will never be easy, but Neto is one to keep an eye on until then.
