Pedro Neto is reportedly set to sign for Chelsea from Wolves in a £51.4m deal, but is it a move that makes sense for the Blues?
Neto is a versatile forward, lining up across the front three for Wolves. Making 24 appearances in all competitions last season, the Portugal international spent the majority of his minutes on the right-hand side, splitting the remainder of his time between striker, attacking midfield, and the left wing.
With Chelsea’s squad fast approaching fifty players, Enzo Maresca will not be short of options, particularly in attack. But further questions will be raised surrounding Chelsea’s transfer strategy, which continues to add attacking reinforcements despite glaring issues in the back line, with another striker set to join in Samu Omorodion as the club continue to pursue Victor Osimhen.
Despite being left footed, he is expected to join Chelsea’s ranks of left sided wingers, competing primarily with a misfiring Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling.
Neto recorded nine assists and three goals in all competitions last year. His most productive goalscoring minutes came from an advanced midfield role, netting twice in four matches, while six of nine assists came off the right wing.
Chelsea struggled greatly with injuries last season, with players missing more days than any other club, and are taking another risk with Neto. According to Transfermarkt, Neto has spent 623 days injured since 2017, missing a total of 126 matches. The most significant absence saw him sidelined from April 2021 to February 2022 by a fractured kneecap.
While his price point and injury record might raise eyebrows among supporters, Chelsea are signing a player with undeniable pedigree. This move differs from the club’s strategy of signing young unproven players who need time to develop. Neto is still young and can improve, but has 111 Premier League appearances to his name, with 31 goal contributions and is a proven talent.
In recent seasons, Neto has developed a reputation as a direct and productive winger. He has averaged 0.53 assists and 5.82 progressive carries per 90 minutes played in the last year, also playing a key role in Wolves’ build up play. With an eye for chance creation and a knack for direct dribbling, he could offer Chelsea’s attack something new.
In many ways, Neto is an ideal addition for the Blues. At just 24 years old, he fits the profile of under 25 talent Chelsea admire and has plenty of potential to develop into a top player. Add his Premier League pedigree into the equation and he already has a significant advantage over many of his younger teammates.
But the success of this signing will all depend on whether Neto can do something he has struggled with. Staying fit.
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