Manchester City were continually linked with Juventus’ fullback Joao Cancelo. However, the move for the Portuguese international has stalled and they are set to move for newer targets. Barcelona’s Nelson Semedo emerged as one target, and the English champions made an enquiry (Daily Star) for the right back.
However, Barcelona are not keen on selling the former Benfica player, and they have told City that they must pay his release clause which is set at £81m.
Barcelona have allegedly turned down several offers for Semedo this summer, and this price tag of £81m suggests that they are not keen on selling him. We feel that it is unlikely that City will even think about paying that much for Semedo.
The Catalan giants have got two top options for the right-back position in the form of Sergi Roberto and Semedo. Semedo is not a nailed-on starter, but Barcelona’s stance suggests that they rate the 25-year-old highly. The fullback started in 20 games in the La Liga and five in the Champions League. It seems like Valverde wants to rotate his two fullbacks as both of them had made more or less equal number of starts in the last year.
Why is Semedo a better option than Roberto?
Roberto is a versatile option who has been regularly featuring in midfield and at right-back. However, he is not the best when it comes to defensive work, and that is where someone like Semedo looks like a better alternative. Moreover, against pacey wingers, Valverde should strictly stick with Semedo as Roberto has been vulnerable while dealing with top wide players.
Barcelona tends to dominate most of their games in the La Liga, and they aren’t tested much defensively. In games of those nature, Roberto can do well as he is technically sound on the ball. There were speculations earlier that Semedo might want out from the club as he hasn’t been able to nail down a regular first-team place. But this latest approach from the Blaugrana suggests that he can be given a regular go as a right back in the next season.
Right approach from Valverde to keep Semedo?
It seems clear that the club wants to deter Manchester City’s approach. Barcelona are in a strong position to negotiate as the 25-year-old is under contract at the Camp Nou until 2022. Semedo is currently in his prime, and he might become the standout first-choice option in the upcoming season. Therefore it is no surprise to see them demanding £81m from Manchester City.
