Why Pedro Neto is set to be January's hottest transfer property
Sam McGuire
- Updated: 19 Sept 2023 11:14 BST
- 5 min read
Pedro Neto is potentially playing his way to a big-money move. The 23-year-old is back playing regularly after a difficult, injury-riddled three seasons and his performances suggest he's looking to make up for lost time.
Neto was the standout performer in the opening 45 minutes against Liverpool on Saturday. He gave stand-in right-back Joe Gomez a torrid time, completing four of his six attempted dribbles while also creating four chances on his way to claiming yet another assist.
The former Lazio man is joint-first for assists this season having set up four goals. He's tied at the top of the table with the in-form Mohamed Salah. Neto also ranks first for chances created (17) and is second for big chances created (4). He's assisted one or more goals in each of his last three Premier League appearances and has comfortably been the best player for a struggling Wolves team.
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Deployed on the left by manager Gary O'Neil, the Wolves No.7 is showing he's more than capable of playing to a high level on either flank while also showcasing that he might, in fact, be one of a few old-school wingers left at the top level of the English top flight.
He might've timed this resurgence to perfection. A number of Europe's elite look set to be in the market for a left-footed attacker this summer, maybe even in January.
Arsenal are long-term admirers of the Portugal international. FootballTransfers' exclusive that the Gunners were chasing Neto was confirmed by The Telegraph, which indicated that a deal could not be found between the clubs. The title contenders tried to sign him in 2022, if reports are to be believed. However, the quoted €58 million fee seemed a little steep at the time, especially when he was just coming back from a long-term injury and nobody truly knew what his level would be.
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Pedro Neto is on fire this season 🔥pic.twitter.com/Exk5HVDUTv
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) September 19, 2023
January scramble for Neto?
A recent report in BirminghamLive suggested a deal could be on the cards for January, though, with Wolves looking to raise funds in order to strengthen their squad and hopefully avoid relegation. Neto could be sacrificed even though he has a deal until 2027. Arsenal dipped into the market during the last winter window, there's no reason they won't again this time around if they're in a strong position with plenty to play for. After all, they do lack depth on the right side with Bukayo Saka playing a lot of football.
Manchester United could well be in the market for offensive reinforcements. Erik Ten Hag's side are struggling for goals and there is now uncertainty over the futures of both Jadon Sancho and Antony. Marcus Rashford has been blowing hot and cold so far this term and fans have criticised the No10s performances while Anthony Martial continues to be an enigma.
Neto's direct nature could well suit the Red Devils. Under the former Ajax tactician, they are playing a lot of counter-attacking football, leveraging the pace of the forward line to cause the opposition problems during transition. The Wolves winger certainly fits that profile. He's a strong ball carrier, very aggressive both with and without the ball and, more importantly, he's quick over small and large distances.
If he did sign, he could occupy either flank and this could free up Rashford a little more. Neto is also the type of player to compliment the likes of Sancho and Antony if they did return to the first-team fold.
Bruno Fernandes, the Man United captain, could play a part in convincing the dynamic attacker that his future could be at Old Trafford.
Finally, Liverpool could well have an interest in the one-time Braga man. Jurgen Klopp is known for using matches against his side to judge potential signings and if he's doing this with Neto, the four-cap international did more than enough to catch the German's eye.
Mohamed Salah looks likely to leave Anfield next summer with the Saudi Pro League determined to make him their crown jewel. The Reds are going to need plans in place for if he does depart and Neto could be an option.
Granted, he's nowhere near as prolific as the three-time Golden Boot winner, Salah's role so far this season has been a little more creative and this would suit Neto, based on his outings this term.
Liverpool have a fairly decent business relationship with Wolves by all accounts and they have a good working relationship with Neto's agency, Gestifute. They look after Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota while Fabinho is also a client of theirs.
He's the right age for the Reds and has Premier League experience. It might be one to keep an eye on if his early season form continues for the remainder of the campaign.
