Barcelona has always been known for its big-money transfers, and the signing of Nelson Semedo was no exception. The Portuguese right-back joined the Catalan giants in the summer of 2017, filling a void that had been left by Dani Alves’ departure to Juventus.
The Transfer
Semedo’s transfer to Barcelona was finalized on July 14, 2017. The club paid a hefty fee to his former team, Benfica, to secure his services. The total amount Barcelona paid for Semedo was €30 million ($34 million).
Why Semedo?
Barcelona’s decision to sign Semedo was based on several factors. Firstly, they needed a reliable right-back who could provide defensive solidity and contribute to the attack. Semedo’s pace, strength, and ability to make overlapping runs made him an ideal candidate.
Secondly, Semedo’s technical abilities were well-suited to Barcelona’s style of play. His ball control, passing accuracy, and dribbling skills allowed him to seamlessly integrate into the team’s possession-based approach.
A New Chapter Begins
Semedo quickly settled into life at Barcelona and became a regular starter under then-manager Ernesto Valverde. He formed a solid partnership with fellow full-back Jordi Alba on the left side of defense.
During his time at Barcelona, Semedo showcased his defensive capabilities by excelling in one-on-one situations and making crucial interceptions. Additionally, he contributed with assists and occasional goals when joining the attack.
The Impact
Semedo’s arrival provided Barcelona with much-needed stability in defense after struggling to find a suitable replacement for Dani Alves. His performances helped the team maintain their dominance in domestic competitions and compete at the highest level in Europe.
However, after three seasons at Barcelona, Semedo’s time with the club came to an end. In September 2020, he was sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported fee of €30 million ($34 million).
A Farewell and a New Journey
Semedo’s departure from Barcelona marked the end of an era for the Portuguese full-back. He left behind a legacy of solid defensive displays and valuable contributions to the team’s attack.
As Semedo embarks on a new journey with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Barcelona will undoubtedly miss his presence on the right side of defense. However, his time at the club will be remembered as a successful chapter in his career and another example of Barcelona’s willingness to invest heavily in talented players.