Semedo joins Wolves from Barcelona and Leeds agree deal for Diego Llorente

Wolves have signed the right-back Nélson Semedo from Barcelona on a three-year deal, while Leeds have reached an agreement to buy the Spanish defender Diego Llorente from Real Sociedad.

Semedo checks in at Wolves after spending three seasons at the Camp Nou and the Wolves executive chairman, Jeff Shi, believes the signing is a coup for the club. He said: “It isn’t often that we have the opportunity to sign a world-class player from a world-class club. Nélson’s signing shows we will never stop progressing and we are still hungry and humble in our heart.”

Barcelona said the deal is an initial €30m (£27.61m) plus €10m “in variables”. Semedo told the club’s website: “I chose Wolves because it’s a very good team that plays very good football. Last year they had a very good season and it’s a very important team in England and also Europe. I hope this year we can do very good things.”

The full-back is looking forward to linking up with his compatriot Nuno Espírito Santo, the Wolves coach. He said: “Coach Nuno is a very good coach. He did very good things here at Wolves, and at other teams too. For sure, I’m going to learn a lot from him.”

The move will also unite the Lisbon-born Semedo with a number of international teammates. He said: “I talked with some of them and they told me very good things about the club, about the team. I hope I can help them to succeed too.”

The Premier League club announced that the 26-year-old Portugal international has signed until 2023, with an option to extend the contract by two years.

Diego Llorente in action for Real Sociedad earlier this month. The Spanish centre-back is heading to Elland Road. Photograph: Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Leeds, meanwhile, did not disclose financial details for the Llorente deal but the fee for the 27-year-old centre-back has been reported at around £20m.

“The final agreement is subject to the player’s medical test,” Sociedad said in a statement. “Real Sociedad wants to express its thanks and affection towards Diego for the three years he has been part of our club and wishes him all the best in this new chapter of his career.”

Llorente began his professional career at Real Madrid but failed to cement a spot in the first team and joined Sociedad in 2017. He made 30 appearances for Imanol Alguacil’s side last season as they finished sixth and reached the Copa del Rey final.

Leeds are looking to shore up their defence after conceding seven goals in their opening two Premier League games. Their next game is a trip to Sheffield United on Sunday.