Godwin ObajeWolves eye Jeremy Toljan as Nelson Semedo nears Molineux exit
Wolverhampton Wanderers are pushing ahead with plans to sign experienced right-back Jeremy Toljan as they prepare for the potential departure of long-serving club captain Nelson Semedo this summer.
The Old Gold have emerged as serious contenders to land the 31-year-old Sassuolo defender, who is expected to become a free agent following the expiry of his contract at the Serie A club. According to reports from Fussball Transfers, Wolves have already initiated contact with Toljan’s representatives, with discussions progressing as the Premier League side seek to reinforce their backline.
Semedo, who joined Wolves from Barcelona in 2020, has been a key figure at Molineux over the past five seasons, making 182 appearances in all competitions. He has been a near ever-present in the side and played a pivotal role in helping Wolves maintain their top-flight status during a turbulent period. However, with his contract now in its final stages and talks over a renewal stalling, the Portuguese international looks increasingly likely to depart – with a return to Benfica strongly mooted in the Portuguese press.
Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, who took charge earlier this year, is understood to be keen on keeping Semedo at the club. However, the hierarchy are also preparing for life without him, and Toljan has been identified as a strong candidate to fill the void.
The German defender is no stranger to top-level football. A graduate of Hoffenheim’s academy, Toljan rose through the ranks of Germany’s national youth setup, earning 36 caps from Under-17 to Under-23 level. He was part of the Germany side that won silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics and later secured a move to Borussia Dortmund in 2017. Though he struggled for minutes at the Westfalenstadion, a six-month loan to Celtic in 2019 saw him gain experience in British football under Neil Lennon, featuring in 10 Scottish Premiership matches.
Toljan eventually found his footing in Italy, first arriving at Sassuolo on loan in 2019 before making the switch permanent in 2021. Since then, he’s become a consistent performer in Serie A, registering 131 appearances in Italy’s top flight and 171 across all competitions for the Neroverdi. His ability to defend against some of the most dangerous wingers in Europe has seen his reputation grow steadily, and he is now seen as a reliable, tactically aware full-back capable of operating in both a back four and wing-back system.
With Wolves already securing their first summer signing in Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo for a fee in the region of £23 million, attention has now turned to bolstering defensive areas – and Toljan fits the profile of experience, value, and adaptability that the club is targeting.
A move for the 31-year-old would be a low-risk addition, especially on a free transfer, and would allow Pereira to maintain leadership and consistency in a key position should Semedo leave. With contract discussions now underway, a deal could accelerate quickly in the coming days as Wolves look to press on with their summer rebuild.
Godwin Obaje
