Watford look ready to send Vivaldo Semedo back to Portugal, and this one has moved pretty quickly over the past few days.
Semedo spent most of last season stuck in that awkward middle ground young forwards often hit. Too promising to completely give up on, but still not quite trusted as a regular senior option.
The Portugal U21 international played 28 matches in all competitions in 2025/26, although many came from the bench. He finished the campaign with four goals and two assists from 923 minutes.
Those are not explosive numbers, but clubs are clearly still seeing something there.
That is why what started as early contact from Alverca has now developed into negotiations. A Bola report the newly promoted Portuguese side are trying to agree a loan deal for the 21-year-old striker, although the operation is not closed yet.
Lyon made an informal approach in January, according to earlier reports from Portugal, and Alverca have now pushed things further by opening negotiations directly with the Hornets.
A move that suits everyone
Vivaldo Semedo probably needs one thing more than anything else right now: games.
Regular starts have been hard to find since leaving Sporting’s academy setup, including during his spell linked to Udinese. Watford gave him opportunities after his return, but never really handed him a consistent role.
The Portuguese side are preparing for life back in the Primeira Liga and appear willing to give Semedo an important role immediately. From Watford’s side, a loan keeps control of the player while hopefully increasing his value and development level.
There is also the simple fact Semedo already knows the Portuguese environment well. For a player still trying to stabilise his senior career, that matters.
What happens next
The deal is not done yet, but the story already feels further along than a standard exploratory approach.
Portuguese reports initially described Alverca’s interest as preliminary. Now there are negotiations, discussions over a loan, and growing expectation the striker could return home for next season.
Watford still have the final say, of course. But right now, this looks like a development move they are seriously willing to make happen.
