Based on the raw numbers from Pedro Neto’s Wolves career, his return to Molineux on Sunday should not be anything special.
The winger made 111 Premier League appearances for the club over five seasons, scored 11 goals, claimed 19 assists and helped ensure a couple of top-10 finishes.
He spent most of his five years at Wolves in the shadow of modern-day greats including Ruben Neves (27 goals in 219 league appearances plus an FA Cup semi-final and Europa League quarter-final), Raul Jimenez (57 goals in 166 games), Joao Moutinho and Conor Coady.
A series of frustrating injury setbacks prevented Neto from realising his full potential in Wolves colours — other than a couple of electric periods, the most notable being a year ago as his unstoppable start to the season lit the fuse of the Gary O’Neil era.
But if Neto, 24, steps onto the field in a Chelsea shirt at the weekend, he is guaranteed a hero’s reception — because his career in the Midlands amounted to much more than the sum of its stats.
“Players come and go, passing their shirt on to the next ‘big prospect’ where, as an expectant fanbase, we build up our hopes and the proteges hailed as the next best things invariably flatter to deceive,” says Jason Guy, a Wolves podcaster and author.
“With Pedro Neto it was different. A big price tag for a 19-year-old of around £15million ($19.7m at current rates) didn’t weigh heavy and Pedro came into the club under the radar after only making a handful of professional appearances.
“His skill, finesse and ability were very quickly there for all to see and it was evident we had a gem on our hands.
“Neto came into the club in the pomp of the golden Portuguese era. He should have been one of Nuno Espirito Santo’s trusted men, marauding down the flanks of Molineux as the pick of the crop, but instead, it became evident that we might never see the best of Pedro Neto in a Wolves shirt.
“Injuries hampered the game time he so badly needed to cement his place.”
Although Neto struggled to amass the body of work that might have made him a bona fide legend, he ticked many of the other boxes that made him a true fan favourite.
There was his style of play — pacy and direct, with quick feet and an ability to embarrass a full-back. There was his demeanour — his smile, jokes and positive attitude towards the club and team-mates made him a popular figure in the dressing room and stands.
And there was the fact that, despite his future seemingly being a live topic of conversation for the final three years of his stay in the Midlands, he applied himself with diligence and never agitated for a move.
Most of all, though, Neto gave Wolves fans some unforgettable moments.
“I agree, he doesn’t quite have cult status but he is in the higher echelons,” says Matthew Brookes, who helps run the social media accounts for the Wolfpack, an independent Wolves fan channel.
“He’s a fan favourite and his goal against West Brom (in last season’s FA Cup) will be remembered forever.
PEDRO NETOOOO 🇵🇹
A stunning solo effort from @Wolves’ man gives them lift-off in the derby 🐺#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/J17lj8CYOs
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 28, 2024
“He always showed big respect and admiration for the club. He never forced a move away or became unsettled and always understood what it meant to play for Wolves.
“The fans adored his passion and direct style of play. His talent was immense and he’ll go on to do amazing things. It is just a real shame for him that he suffered many injuries.
“Everyone was gutted when he left but he went with everyone’s best wishes. He’ll get a good reception when he comes back to Molineux on Sunday.”
If Neves returned to Molineux with another club, the applause would be deafening. If Coady runs out in a Leicester shirt this season or Jimenez lines up for Fulham, they will be rapturous.
For reasons beyond his control, Neto’s homecoming just a couple of weeks after his departure will be a fraction more muted, but even if he makes a match-defining contribution for his new club in his old No 7 shirt, he is still guaranteed a warm welcome.
Admiration and respect among fans are built on more than appearances and goal contributions.
“Wouldn’t it be ironic if Pedro came back to haunt us and put in another exciting performance at Molineux?” says Guy.
“Despite almost quadrupling our investment, we never got to see just how good Pedro could actually be. We will be looking on from afar with a pride and admiring nod.
“And it wouldn’t surprise me if we saw him in a Wolves shirt again.”
(Top photo: Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)
