The first player heavily linked to Southampton ahead of next season has been set: the young defender of Sporting CP, Rúben Semedo.
At the age of 23, he began his career in the Lions’ youth setup, debuting in 2013 for the senior team. After a loan in the 2014/15 season for Reus Desportiu of Spain, Semedo returned to Portugal and was loaned again at the beginning of the 2015/16 season to Vitoria de Setúbal.
He returned in January to Sporting because of the number of injured players in the defensive sector at the club. Semedo finally had the chance to become a starter for Leões, trailing behind with Uruguayan Sebastian Coates.
With a good height (1.89m), he is a fast and robust defender, but tends to be a little reckless in the way he plays, which would be an aspect to be explored and improved if he is our next signing.
One feature that draws attention is his presence in aerial battles, too. His composure with the ball at his feet and his ability to make the best decision has drawn attention, especially after good matches against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the 2015/16 season of the UEFA Champions League.
That’s why Semedo is being targeted not only by Southampton, but is being linked to other Premier League clubs. Newcastle West Ham, Everton, West Bromwich and Crystal Palace have already reportedly shown interest in the player, who has had no chances in Portugal’s main national team yet. However, he was a full international for U20s and U21s of his native side.
Newcastle have been strongly linked with Semedo, however, we are clearly in a better position to offer more to the player. With all due respect to the other clubs interested in the defender, since our projection has been growing in recent seasons, we are more attractive.
Semedo currently has a contract until 2022 – with a €40 million buyout clause – at Sporting. An offer of €17m for Semedo would likely be an offer that could see him move from the Primeira Liga; a fair price for a centre back who is sure to evolve playing in English football.
If Semedo is signed by Saints, it would indicate that even by the similar characteristics of game, he would arrive to be the replacement if Virgil van Dijk leaves the club this summer.
Evidently the Portuguese defender is of a lower standard to the Dutchman, but the expectation for Saints would be that Semedo can progress as much as Van Dijk did since his move from Celtic.
It remains to be seen as to whether or not Southampton have or will make an official bid, and also whether Sporting would be willing to sell one of its top talents.
