Semedo completes Barcelona switch

Nelson Semedo completed his move from Benfica to Barcelona on Friday after passing a medical.

Published : Jul 14, 2017 22:08 IST

Nelson Semedo was on Friday presented as a Barcelona player after completing his switch from Benfica.

The club announced 24 hours earlier that an initial fee of €30million had been agreed for the Portugal defender who has signed a five-year deal at Camp Nou after passing a medical.

Speaking at his official presentation, he said: "I want to thank all the people who were involved in this transfer. It's an honour for me to be a Barca player.

"I will give every drop of sweat to defend the team."

Barca reportedly turned to Semedo after being rebuffed by Arsenal in its pursuit of Hector Bellerin, with a new right-back having been designated one of its priorities for next season.

The 23-year-old is new coach Ernesto Valverde's third signing of the transfer window, following the arrivals of Gerard Deulofeu and young centre-back Marlon.

President Josep Maria Bartomeu stated this week that they hope to complete "two or three" deals before the window closes next month.