It seems Newcastle United are turning up the heat in the transfer window with every single passing day. Despite being a newly promoted side to the Premier League, Rafael Benitez is not playing it safe at all. After securing the services of Christian Atsu from League Champions Chelsea, the Magpies have started targeting some of the top prospects this summer, and the latest to reportedly join their wish-list is Sporting Lisbon centre-half Ruben Semedo.
It was two weeks ago that the Portuguese defender was first linked with a move to join the English side. And even with speculations that Europa League participants Everton are also strongly interested in the player, Benitez seems favourite to land him. The 23-year-old has had an impressive season in Liga NOS, helping his side to a third-place finish in the league.
Newcastle couldn’t have gotten a promotion in a better way. The Magpies toppled over Brighton & Hove Albion on the last day of the Championship despite the Seagulls becoming the first team to gain promotion to the Premier League from the second-tier. Benitez had a relatively young back line with 23-year-old Jamaal Lascelles leading the team.
And it looks like the Spaniard will want to continue the trend in the top-flight as well. Of course, the likes of Ciaran Clark, Chancel Mbemba and Grant Hanley won’t be enough to see off big teams and the vibrancy and experience of someone like Semedo will be needed.
A youth product of Sporting CP’s famed academy, Semedo wasn’t an instant hit and took some time to break into the first team. His development was largely responsible to numerous loan stints during his time with the junior sides. He was sent to second-tier Spanish side CF Reus Deportiu and Portuguese side Vitória Setúbal FC before.
Only after impressing for them did Sporting CP take notice of the player and gave him his big break. Although he isn’t a regular for the side making only 24 league appearances in the domestic league, he was given the responsibility in the elite Champions League. Sporting were ousted in the group stages and Semedo’s inconsistency led to some bench time.
His contract with Sporting expires in 2022, which is a long time and the club wouldn’t let him go for cheap given his young age and versatility at the back. The centre-half, who excels in the defensive midfield role too, is valued by the club in the region of £17 million. The Magpies are however willing to open negotiations with a £13million bid.
Everton are still in the race and could easily pay the asking price of the player. And leaving Champions League football, it is only sensible that Semedo chooses the second-best option of Europa League. But can Newcastle United lure him?
