Manchester United have reportedly submitted a €35 million offer to SL Benfica in order to land Nelson Semedo, who is also a Barcelona target.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo are claiming that Manchester United have lodged a €35 million bid to SL Benfica for another one of their defensive superstars. Nelson Semedo, who is being pursued heavily by Barcelona, could soon follow former teammate Victor Lindelof to Old Trafford.
Nelson Semedo has really become one of the most sought-after properties in world football in the right-back position. The defender has established himself in the Portuguese national setup while also being one of the key pillars behind Benfica’s defensively stout displays.
Semedo has been linked with a move to Manchester United for a while now, with reports stating that the player has already agreed to a move to Old Trafford. However, of late Barcelona have been as prominent a feature with the player in reports as Mourinho’s current employers.
Manchester United are looking to add to the right-back position, with Matteo Darmian rumoured to be set for a return to Italy. Antonio Valencia has really come into his own in the said role. However, there is a lack of depth, which may come to haunt the side in case of fixture congestion.
Man United have bid €35m for Benfica right back Nelson Semedo.
Barcelona see Semedo as 2nd choice to Hector Bellerin
[Mundo Deportivo] pic.twitter.com/HygLZzc7gF
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) June 19, 2017
Barcelona, too, have been devoid of a great right-back since the exit of Dani Alves. Aleix Vidal arrived with much expectations but, the Spaniard has failed to live up to his potential. Sergi Roberto presented himself in a makeshift role and while he has been good, the player is seen as a midfielder.
Thus, the need for a new right-back is imperative. Nelson Semedo possesses a similar skill-set to Dani Alves, something which may be the reason for Barcelona’s constant interest in the 23-year-old.
Manchester United, though, seems to have taken the lead in the race, with reports that the Red Devils have lodged a €35 million bid to land the Portuguese international. The figure is close to what was quoted in the first place when rumours hinted at a deal in place between United and Benfica for the player’s transfer.
It will be interesting to see how SL Benfica receive the bid and whether Barcelona will match United’s offer or perhaps quote an even larger fee for the 23-year-old’s services. For now, though, Semedo looks to be edging towards Manchester United. Slowly, but surely.
