According to sources, Liverpool has been favoured to outbid both Arsenal and Manchester United for the services of Pedro Neto, who Wolves fully anticipates would depart the club in January on one condition.
The 23-year-old Portuguese forward has drawn attention this season with a string of electrifying performances. Despite Wolves scoring only nine league goals this season, Neto has accrued five assists. With five assists, Neto is tied for first place this season on the EPL assists tally with James Maddison and Kieran Trippier.
On October 5, TEAMtalk exclusively reported that Wolves anticipate Neto leaving the organisation in 2024, with a January departure being the most likely.
We learned from sources close to Wolves that they expect Neto to go in January, but their asking price would have to be satisfied, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.
“Even though he has a contract that runs through 2027, he is displaying the kind of form that might tempt a buyer to sign a deal in January.
“I know that Jorge Mendes, [Neto’s agent], and his team are certain that Neto will leave in 2024, probably in January, but it will rely on the requirements of those interested parties.”
The wolves appear to be receptive to a sale, but only if their full value is paid. According to several estimates, Neto may command a sum between £50 million and £60 million on that front.
Arsenal makes contact; FFP restricts Man United
After that, Fraser Fletcher, our newest transfer specialist, revealed that Arsenal executives have spoken with Neto’s representatives.
Furthermore, with Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho’s futures at the club still up in the air, Man Utd has its sights set on Neto. However, United would have to hold off on making a move until the summer due to the club’s Financial Fair Play restrictions.
Neil Jones, a Liverpool expert, believes that Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have a better chance of beating their rivals.
Jones emphasised in a piece for Caught Offside that Mohamed Salah’s connections to Saudi Arabia won’t end in 2024.
As much as it would hurt the Reds, Salah will enter the final year of his Liverpool contract at the end of the current campaign, and a mega-money exit for a 32-year-old would make financial sense.
Neto might be seen as Salah’s natural successor given that he is a left-footer. Of course, he would need to increase his goal total to fully replace the Egyptian, but several forwards, including Salah, have seen significant increases in their goal totals after joining the Liverpool squad.
Neto swoop exit key for Salah
Given the manner in which Pedro Neto has begun the Premier League season, Jones stated, “I’m not surprised to see his name being linked with top clubs.”
“The Wolves player has always been a tremendous talent, one that is admired by almost every major team, including Liverpool, but injuries have seriously hindered him recently.
“Now that he is back in shape, we are watching what he can do. The pace and threat he brings, along with the space for growth he has at 23, make him stand out as someone who can undoubtedly advance by joining a Champions League club.
“It is unclear whether Liverpool will be that team; they must return to the Champions League, by the way.”
“I am aware that Neto has fans at Anfield and that a Jurgen Klopp team would benefit from his versatility and skill set.
“However, I think the same could be said about a Mikel Arteta or Pep Guardiola team. He may be on that level, in my opinion.
“He must first focus on maintaining his fitness and transforming this purple patch into something more long-lasting.
“If he wants to rank among the best strikers, he still needs to increase his stats, especially in terms of goal scoring.
“However, he is already making waves at Wolves, and if this trend continues, we may anticipate him to go on to greater and better things next season.
“Given the likelihood that the Mohamed Salah to Saudi Arabia rumours won’t end in 2024, Neto should be on the radar.”