Sunderland loanee Luís Hemir has hit a difficult patch at Moreirense. This came just as he was starting to build some momentum in Portugal.
His output has been quite modest so far. He had 15 league appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist and 717 minutes this season. Those are not explosive numbers. However, they are enough to suggest he has at least been involved.
The 22-year-old striker – previously known as Luís Semedo – had scored against Nacional in the previous league round. This looked like a useful step in his attempt to re-establish himself after a stop-start period.
Instead, Hemir then stayed on the bench for the full 90 minutes in Moreirense’s 3-1 defeat to FC Porto and, notably, did not even take part in the warm-up.
Reports from Portuguese newspaper A Bola now make clear that was not a simple tactical call. The decision followed what the club viewed as inappropriate behaviour from the Sunderland player before the trip to the Dragao.
That line was apparently not serious enough for Moreirense to leave Semedo out of the match-day squad altogether. Still, the feeling inside the club was that some form of consequence had to follow.
Manager Vasco Botelho then used his post-match comments to make the message public, while also trying to frame it as part of the player’s development.
“He is one of the boys in this team I have known since he was seven years old,” the coach said, adding that Semedo is “a player I love” but one who “has to understand that we are a group, and the group will always be above the individual.”
He added: “We are here to help everyone grow, and sometimes helping them grow means making difficult decisions.”
Sunderland loan under pressure
For Sunderland, this is not ideal timing. Luís Hemir joined Moreirense on loan in August, with his contract on Wearside running until June 2028. This spell was supposed to offer stable senior minutes after a mixed loan at Juventus Next Gen last season.
This move to Moreirense was planned to offer Semedo something closer to stability and familiarity. After previous spells away from Sunderland, heading to Portugal looked like a chance to reconnect with his roots. It also seemed a way to find rhythm in a league and environment he understands better.
There were early signs it could work. Semedo settled quickly into the squad and, at one stage, spoke about keeping Sunderland in his sights. He talked about the idea of returning stronger after a consistent run of games. The loan carried a clear purpose – build confidence, sharpen his game and put himself back into the conversation on Wearside.
However, that trajectory now looks less certain. His numbers have remained modest, and this latest disciplinary issue shifts the focus away from development and onto reliability. For a young forward trying to convince Sunderland he can be part of their long-term plans, that is not the kind of narrative he needs.
What happens next
The immediate test comes against Arouca on Saturday, when Luís Hemir will have to fight for his place again. Moreirense have had injury issues in the squad, so there is still a route back for the Sunderland man.
Yet this now looks like one of those moments young forwards often face on loan – not just proving they can score, but proving they can handle setbacks, dressing-room standards and the daily demands that come with senior football.
From Sunderland’s perspective, that part matters almost as much as the goals.
