Barcelona snaps up promising right-back Semedo
Barcelona has found a permanent solution for the right-back position.
The Blaugrana announced on Thursday that an agreement is in place to sign Portuguese international Nelson Semedo from Benfica.
The 23-year-old will undergo a medical on Friday before completing a deal reportedly worth as much as €35 million.
[BREAKING NEWS] Agreement with Benfica to sign Nélson Semedo, pending medical tests tomorrow in Barcelona https://t.co/o5ldP2I5ke pic.twitter.com/JjQdQ3q1pF
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 13, 2017
Barcelona struggled last season without the reliable Dani Alves, leaving Luis Enrique to convert midfielder Sergi Roberto into a full-back. Roberto didn't do badly, but he often lacked the defensive awareness to fulfill the role on a permanent basis.
In Semedo, the Catalan giant finally has a ready-made answer. With fantastic dribbling ability and a strong desire to push forward, Semedo has similar characteristics to Alves.
He gained his first significant minutes with Benfica's first team during the 2016-17 campaign, starting in 46 matches across all competitions. He also represented Portugal at the Confederations Cup in Russia.
The move for Semedo is Barcelona's second transaction of the summer, following the arrival of Gerard Deulofeu from Everton.