Semedo picked by Simeone to replace Juanfran at right-back

Semedo picked by Simeone to replace Juanfran at right-back



If Antoine Griezmann leaves Atlético Madrid for Barcelona, they will look to coax them into sending them Semedo for a discounted price.

The list of names linked with a move to Atlético Madrid to replace Juanfran has been extensive since he announced his decision to leave the club. He will move to Japan and league a hole at right-back that will be hard to fill. Diego Simeone has picked Nelson Semedo as the man to do that job though.

The Portuguese defender has the quality to attack and defend in equal measure and Simeone likes his potential. He shared duties with Sergi Roberto in that role this season but the academy product was used more given his versatility and ability to change position during games. Semedo, on the other hand, only plays at full-back.

Semedo interested in the offer from Atlético

The 25-year-old's representatives know of the interest and have reacted positively to it. If they want to follow through, they can seal the deal but they are not lacking offers from Italy or the Premier League.

He has a contract until 2022 and a release clause of €100 million. If Griezmann does leave for Barcelona, the plan is that Atlético will speak to Semedo in an effort to reach an agreement that suits everyone. That means Barça will be let off the hook for some of the €120 million in Griezmann's release clause but will potentially have to give up Semedo.