Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United are reportedly in a three-way tussle to land SL Benfica superstar Nelson Semedo.
Portuguese publication Record are suggesting that SL Benfica Nelson Semedo could be the one of the superstars on his way out of the club in the summer, with widespread interest from the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
Nelson Semedo has been eyed by the aforementioned clubs for a while now. And deservedly so. The player has featured in all but 3 games in Benfica’s triumphant league campaign while being an ever-present part of the club’s Champions League campaign.
The Portuguese international has the ability to play both as a right-back and a right-midfield while also being able to put in a decent shift on the left side of defence as well – a trait that would come in handy to all of the aforementioned suitors.
Barcelona are in desperate need to add a right-back to their ranks and have been recently linked with Chelsea superstar Cezar Azpilicueta. However, the player is said to be content with his current stature at Stamford Bridge and has taken to his newfound central defensive role well.
Semedo would thus, be a more realistic target for the Azulgrana, with the player sharing the same attacking intent as was present in Dani Alves – a player Barcelona have regretted letting go as the Brazilian continues tearing it up, albeit for Juventus.
Nelson Semedo has been fantastic this season and is unsurprisingly wanted by some of Europe’s best. World class.
— EiF (@EiFsoccer) May 15, 2017
Bayern Munich have two legends of the game – both of whom retired at the end of the season – to replace. However, while there are many central midfielders present in the squad to mitigate, if not replace entirely, the presence of Xabi Alonso, there is hardly a substitute for Philipp Lahm.
Semedo is a mix of the modern attacking style and the ancient conservative style of footballing philosophy adapted by full-backs and will likely slot well into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans at the Allianz Arena.
However, it is Manchester United who have been tipped to be favourites to land Semedo for a while now. There were even reports of a summer agreement already in place between the two clubs for the transfer of the 23-year-old.
The Red Devils have managed to secure Champions League football for next campaign after a 2-0 triumph in the Europa League final.
And, Jose Mourinho would be intent on improving on his side’s dismal league campaign in the present season. The Portuguese has Antonio Valencia as the only recognised full-back in the squad and while the player has been nothing short of phenomenal in carrying out his duties, Nelson Semedo is likely to be an upgrade on the Ecuadorian.
Also, Semedo’s ability to put in a shift as a left-back could also come in handy, at least till Mourinho either adds a left-back to the squad or starts to rely on Luke Shaw at the position – a player who has been tipped to achieve great heights.
Semedo is currently contracted to Benfica till 2021 and his release clause – one that stands at €80 million – is unlikely to be encouraging signs for the trio of suitors. However, if Semedo does make up his mind about a move, Benfica might just be resigned to negotiating at a lower amount, lest they risk causing unrest in their own ranks.
