Who is Sunderland target Luis Semedo?

Reports are claiming that Sunderland are set to sign Benfica youngster Luis Semedo.

Portuguese outlet Record have revealed that Benfica talent Semedo, 19, is close to signing for Sunderland ahead of the summer transfer window opening later this month.

The striker is out of contract this summer and Sunderland have acted fast to bring him in. But who is Semedo and what can Sunderland fans expect to see from their potential new arrival?

What type of player if Semedo?

Semedo is a striker. He’s been playing for Benfica B in the Portuguese second tier and also in the UEFA Youth League – in the season just gone, Semedo scored twice in 18 league appearances.

He’s a tall striker who stands at 6ft 3ins, and looking at videos of the player, he seems to be a very well-rounded striker.

Semedo is a striker who likes to drop deep, receive the ball to feet and then drive forward. And he’s not afraid to drift out wide to receive the ball, take on players and look for a route into the penalty box.

He’s also a player blessed with great pace and power, so he should bring a degree of physicality to a Sunderland side desperately in need of it.

Why are Sunderland signing him?

It seems obvious why Sunderland are signing him.

Semedo is a young player who’s available on a free transfer, so it’s a signing that fits in with Sunderland’s recruitment model and it’s one that won’t break the bank either.

And as mentioned above, Sunderland were lacking a bit pf physicality in their side last season. Semedo will add that, and he’ll also bolster an attacking department that was very stretched at times last season.

So all in all, this seems like a very decent signing for the Black Cats.