Barcelona to sign Benfica right-back Nelson Semedo

Barcelona announced they have reached an agreement with Benfica for the transfer of right-back Nelson Semedo.

Barcelona announced Thursday that they have a deal in place with Benfica for the purchase of right-back Nelson Semedo. Semedo, 23, had a very good season with Benfica last year. It was due to his performances with Benfica that Semedo represented Portugal at the Confederations Cup.

Semedo, also referred to as Nelsinho, played in 31 games for Benfica in the league last season. During this time, he scored once, had six assists and six yellow cards. Semedo is well-known for his attacking ability at right-back, a value that Barcelona value highly in their full-backs.

Semedo, while known as an attacking right-back, is also strong defensively. He’s an efficient tackler, showcasing that with his style of play. Semedo is also an efficient passing full-back, having six assists on the season and sporting a 79.8 percent pass success rate. While this number isn’t overly impressive, it’s very likely to see a significant jump when playing with the world class attacking players that Barcelona have.

The right-back has already represented the Portuguese national team six times, along with having one cap with the Portugal U23 squad as well. He also already has a bit of medals in international soccer with Portugal, helping his nation finish third at the Confederations Cup last month.

Next: 3 ways Ancelotti can use James Rodriguez at Bayern

Along with winning bronze with Portugal, Semedo has won multiple trophies at the club level with Benfica. Semedo helped Benfica win the league title in 2015-16 and 2016-17 along with winning the Taca de Portugal this season and the Taca de Liga in 2015-16.

Semedo also has individual silverware from his time with Benfica, winning the LPFP Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year this last season.