Why Ruben Semedo Would Be A Perfect Replacement For Virgil van Dijk
Southampton are in for another busy summer transfer window as the Premier League club could yet again lose some of their best players to Premier League giants. One name that has constantly been linked with a move away from the club is 25-year-old centre-back Virgil Van Dijk. The Netherlands international is almost certain to leave in the summer with interest from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea FC. However, Liverpool have ended the interest in the player and apologised to Southampton for any misunderstanding, thus effectively ruling them out of the race.
With the south coast club all set to lose it’s best centre-back, the Saints will be looking to replace the outgoing Van Dijk with another young and talented defender and that player could possibly be Ruben Semedo. The 23-year-old Portuguese centre-back has enjoyed major success in the last couple years in the Primeira Liga.
The Sporting CP defender shares similar traits in terms of frame and stature with Virgil Van Dijk, and has proven to be solid at the back for the Portuguese side. In a way, Southampton would be replacing their outgoing centre-back with a younger and much cheaper version of Van Dijk. Semedo’s qualities are staggeringly similar to that of Van Dijk, both in terms of physicality and quality.
Semedo is quick and strong – something which will help him in tackling the physicality of the English Premier League. With all these qualities at his helm, the 23-year-old has the potential to become a world-class centre-back in the future.
Semedo made 31 appearances for Sporting last season including 6 Champions League appearances. Semedo has recieved interest Newcastle United and has been linked with a £15million move. Southampton need to act quickly if they are to land Semedo.
Despite losing their best players throughout the years, Southampton have always managed to find a similar replacement. Semedo would be a great addition to the Southampton back line and his arrival should be enough for the fans to not miss Van Dijk too much.
It remains to be seen if Southampton will go after the 23-year-old as they will be cashing in on the funds that they will receive from the sale of Virgil Van Dijk.