Ruben Semedo: 22 year old interests Southampton
Southampton and AC Milan are both said to be keeping tabs on Sporting defender Ruben Semedo.
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola on Friday, the Italian club have been impressed with the 22-year-old’s recent performances. Southampton’s interest in the player apparently goes back some time further.
The newspaper claims that Ruben Semedo has been on a list of possible signings for Southampton for a long time, and the club are only waiting for the right moment to try the signing.
They mention the fact that José Fonte has been linked to Manchester United to suggest that Semedo could be a replacement for his compatriot. However, given that Fonte to Manchester United doesn’t look likely at this stage, Southampton’s interest in Ruben Semedo would be more general.
The defender is one of the new generation of Portuguese talents who don’t come cheap. With a €45m release clause, he’s highly valued by Sporting and wouldn’t leave for much less.
Ruben Semedo has also been linked to Chelsea and Everton this season. Most of the rumours about the Toffees were related to the fact that Ronald Koeman already wanted the player at Southampton, and so the assumption followed that he’s still keen.
A right footer, Ruben Semedo can play as a central defender and also a defensive midfielder. His contract with Sporting lasts until June 2022, leaving the Portuguese club well protected.
The €45m clause was added when the new deal was signed in March of this year. Should the player go on a burst of development then it wouldn’t be out of character for Sporting to want a new contract with an even higher clause.
Under Claude Puel, Southampton seem to still be interested in the Portuguese market and therefore send scouts to the biggest clubs. They’re not alone and, as A Bola say, Southampton would face competition from AC Milan to sign the player.
Southampton were linked to the player in June, when it was thought something over £20m may be able to seal a deal. The player has progressed since then and Sporting will expect more.
