As Portuguese football has become a showcase for players from around the world, it’s no surprise to see big clubs scouting games there.
That’s why Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester United all being present at Benfica’s Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund last night is no surprise.
What is interesting is O Jogo claiming these three clubs all traveled to watch the same player.
According to the newspaper, they were all keeping an eye on Benfica right-back Nelson Semedo, who has been linked with a move for a while now.
First, Chelsea reportedly made first contacts when Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira was in London last month.
Then there were outlets saying Manchester United had an agreement in principle to sign the player, as others reported Bayern Munich had intensified the chase as he’d be the substitute for Philip Lahm.
Semedo put in a very good performance last night, both in defence as in attack, and was one of the most praised players in the team.
Highly rated by Benfica, the right-back has a €60m release clause. His departure is something that should happen in the summer, but whoever buys him will have to spend a lot of money.
Manchester United have been the most strongly linked team to date, but there now seems a wish to drag Chelsea and Bayern Munich into the race. Jose Mourinho’s spies are present at more Portuguese games than scouts from any other club, and they watch Benfica weekly.
Chelsea and Bayern Munich do scout Benfica, although not quite as often as Manchester United do.
