The talented Portuguese has been patient this season, determined to return from injury stronger than before, and less than three weeks after stepping foot on the Molineux pitch, Neto has signed a new deal until 2027.
Since joining the club in 2019, Neto has grown on and off the pitch, becoming a senior Portugal international and being named the club’s Player of the Season following a brilliant 2020/21 campaign.
A debut goal in the Europa League against FC Pyunik set Neto off on the right note in old gold, and during that opening season in English football, Neto caught the eye with his trickery, pace and final ball, as well as constant hard work.
An infectious personality off the pitch, Neto is an integral part of the pack, and as Wolves evolved on the pitch last season, the youngster stepped up and provided a bright spark to football behind closed doors.
Directly involved in 11 Premier League goals, including memorable winners against Chelsea and Southampton, Neto found his feet and was rewarded with a senior Portugal call-up, and soon a goal scoring debut against Andorra.
While a knee injury cut-short his campaign in April, excitement has built within the Wolves camp for his return, which came about after months of hard-work and professionalism off the pitch, and finally arrived in the victory over Leicester City.
An incredible reception met his 81st minute introduction, and with 11 matches left of the 2021/22 season, Neto will look to end on a high and celebrate his fresh commitment to Wolves.
Scott Sellars, Wolves technical director, said: “It’s great news for the football club and Pedro. It’s a deserved reward for him, he’s returned from injury and put in a lot of hard work to get back, so it’s good for all parties.
“Pedro came as a young player with a lot of potential and quickly proved the club had signed a top young talent. He’s fulfilled that potential, become a full international, and an established Premier League player – people have spoken globally about his performances for Wolves.
“It’s a no-brainer for the club to retain its talent and hopefully it was a no-brainer for Pedro to stay longer and work hard in an environment he’s comfortable and happy in. Pedro deserves it and we’re really happy.”
Injured at Craven Cottage in April, Neto spent ten months committing to his rehabilitation every day, and Sellars was impressed, but not surprised, with the professionalism the youngster applied to his return.
“It was difficult for him, he had a setback along the way, but as Pedro always does, he got his head down and worked hard with a smile on his face. He’s committed to being the best he can be and that shows with how quickly he’s got back into his groove, but we think there’s a lot more to come.
“We spoke a lot about missing Pedro, so to see him back fit and happy, that’s the most important thing. There’s no pressure from us to be the player he was straight away – it’s going to take some time.
“He’s been out for a long time, but we’ve got no doubt he’ll be back to the Pedro we know, whether that’s towards the end of the season or the start of the next one, there’s no rush, we just want to make sure he has minutes and is developing.”
