Wolves: Barcelona right-back Semedo joins Premier League club
Wolves have confirmed the signing of Portuguese right-back Nelson Semedo from Barcelona, in a transfer worth a reported 35 million euros.
Premier League club Wolves have completed the signing of right-back Nelson Semedo from Barcelona on an initial three-year contract.
Semedo replaces Spurs new boy Doherty at Wolves
Semedo arrives at Molineux for a reported 35 million euros as a replacement for Matt Doherty, who joined Tottenham last month.
The Portugal international, who spent three years at Camp Nou after signing from Benfica, posted a message to Barça on his Instagram page on Tuesday, before Wolves confirmed his arrival the following day.
Semedo wrote: "Thank you very much Barcelona for giving me the dream of wearing this shirt. Thank you for making me grow as a player and as a person.
"I've had three wonderful years that I won't forget. I want to thank my team-mates, the staff, the fans and all the people who have helped me from the moment I arrived until today."
Semedo move one of several summer Barcelona departures
Semedo is the latest player to leave the Blaugrana as new coach Ronald Koeman overhauls the first-team squad following a dismal 2019-20 campaign.
The 26-year-old featured 42 times in all competitions last season, scoring once, as Barça lost their LaLiga crown, failed to win a trophy and crashed out of the Champions League in humiliating fashion, going down 8-2 to Bayern Munich.
Arturo Vidal has left for Inter, while Luis Suárez is also expected to depart. The club blocked captain Lionel Messi's exit.
Semedo's departure had been anticipated, with Barça linked with bids for alternative right-back options - including Arsenal's Hector Bellerín, Norwich City's Max Aarons and Ajax's Sergiño Dest. Contrasting reports have Aarons and Dest close to moves to Catalonia.
"To play in the Premier League is a dream", says Semedo
Semedo was welcomed at Wolves, where his new contract has the option for a further two years.
"It isn't often that we have the opportunity to sign a world-class player from a world-class club," executive chairman Jeff Shi said. "Nelson's signing shows we will never stop progressing and we are still hungry and humble in our heart."
Semedo, a two-time LaLiga winner, added: "I'm very excited to be here. It's a very good team. To play in the Premier League is a dream from me, too."