Nélson Semedo’s replacement will not be signed by Barcelona
Atlético Madrid are highly interested in signing Nélson Semedo, and have already submitted the first bid. Despite the fact that it was rejected by Barcelona, the Rojiblancos are still hopeful of signing the 25-year old Portuguese right-back.
But Barça have decided not to sign a replacement. The club will find an internal solution, with Barcelona B full-back Moussa Wagué very likely to get a call-up to the first-team squad. He has shown himself to be capable of handling the pressure of playing in the Spanish top-flight.
Wagué had a rocky start to his Barça career, as registration problems prevented him from making his debut until 4 months after his signing. But the young Senegal international has done very well under Xavi García Pimienta, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists in 20 appearances.
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The 20-year old full-back also made his first-team debut last season, as Ernesto Valverde called him up to face Huesca in the La Liga. Wagué’s international experience is also notable, as he scored his only goal for his country in the World Cup in Russia.
Wagué has a very bright future, and Barça will try to build him as a potential successor to current first-choice right-back Sergi Roberto. Of course, he doesn’t quite have the same amount of pace as Nélson Semedo, but is a very potent attacking threat.
Semedo hasn’t yet put in an official request for a transfer, but could do soon in light of the fact that Roberto is preferred to him by Valverde. If he doesn’t leave, then Wagué will stay put or probably depart on loan. But if he does, the starlet will get his chance.