Barcelona have reportedly agreed on a deal with Benfica for Portuguese right back Nelson Semedo. The 23-year-old passed a medical and has been announced as a Barcelona player. He has become the third signing of newly appointed manager Ernesto Valverde after the Spanish giants brought in Gerard Deulofeu from Everton and Marlon Santos.
The Catalans have been pretty silent in the transfer market despite being linked with a host of players. Hector Bellerin was the preferred choice for the ex Athletic Bilbao manager but Arsenal’s reluctance to sell the defender forced them to revive their interest in the Portuguese international.
Barcelona will reportedly pay a sum of €35m with add ons for the services of this talented defender. Semedo’s arrival could make the way for Sergi Roberto who can now severely concentrate on his midfield role. The Spaniard has been deployed on the right side of the defence throughout the last season following some poor performances of Aleix Vidal.
The right back arrived at the Nou Camp as a replacement for Dani Alves but miserably failed in filling his void. Semedo’s arrival comes as a respite for Arsenal as Hector Bellerin can now concentrate on his Gunners career.
Semedo burst onto the scene in 2015 and was a very integral part of Benfica’s successful campaign last season. He has been quite quick in making a seamless transition since his move to Benfica from Sintrense in 2012.
Semedo was in the Portuguese side that finished third in the Confederations Cup. Valverde had prioritised the signing of a right back and the arrival of Semedo would give him time to chalk out his strategy regarding the defence.
The attack-minded right back does venture aggressively forward and would bring the much-needed pace and width to the side. His usual aspects of the game are very intriguing and could prove to be an upgrade on Vidal.
Barcelona confirmed the movement on their site. “FC Barcelona and Benfica have reached an agreement for the transfer of Nélson Semedo, pending medical tests on Friday in Barcelona.”
The speedy full back was announced as a Barcelona player today and has signed a five-year deal with the Spanish outfit. Manchester United were one of the several admirers of the player as Jose Mourinho was hoping to bring the player at the Old Trafford.
Valverde is likely to take the youngster to the Pre-season camp in the United States Of America to have a primary look at his present physical condition.
