Sunderland striker Luís Hemir is set to return to the club this summer after his loan spell at Moreirense failed to lead to a permanent move.
Either way, the 22-year-old headed to Portugal earlier this season looking for rhythm and consistency. The idea was clear. Play regularly, rebuild confidence and come back to Sunderland in a stronger position.
Instead, his time in the Primeira Liga has drifted without ever fully taking off, and the latest update suggests that chapter is now closing.
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo report that Moreirense have decided not to trigger their option to buy Semedo. As a result, he will return to Sunderland at the end of the season, with the club unconvinced by his impact.
Loan spell never settled
You may remember him as Luís Semedo. And his move to Moreirense initially looked like a sensible step.
He was returning to a familiar football environment, closer to his roots, and early signs suggested he could find a place in the squad. He even changed the surname he prefers to be known by – now going by Luís Hemir.
At one stage, the striker even spoke about using the loan as a platform to fight his way back into Sunderland’s plans. That ambition framed the move. However, the reality has been more complicated.
Game time has been inconsistent. Performances have come in patches. Across the league season, he has made 18 appearances, but only eight starts, scoring two goals and adding one assist. Those numbers reflect a player who has been involved without ever becoming central to the team.
There have also been off-field bumps. As previously reported in Portugal, Semedo was left on the bench against FC Porto after what was described as inappropriate behaviour before the match. While not a major incident, it added another layer to a loan spell that never fully settled.
What happens next for Sunderland
Luís Hemir now returns to Sunderland with questions still hanging over his next step. His contract runs long-term, so the club have control over the situation.
The challenge is deciding what to do with a player who has shown flashes but not sustained progress.
Another loan cannot be ruled out. At the same time, Sunderland may look for a clearer resolution if they feel his development needs a different path.
Either way, this was meant to be a defining spell. Instead, it leaves Sunderland with a familiar task – finding the right environment for Semedo to finally turn potential into something more consistent.
