Porto set to sign Ruben Semedo
With Canadian defensive midfielder Stephen Eustaquio joining FC Porto from Pacos de Ferreira, Porto are also set to complete the signing of Portuguese international centreback Ruben Semedo from Olympiakos, with a deal becoming increasingly likely to be completed before the end of the winter window.
The 27-year old centreback is expected to join the club on an initial loan deal - but the Portuguese league leaders will face the opportunity to make his stay permanent for a fee in the region of 7 million euros.
The three-time Portuguese international has long been touted as a transfer target of both Benfica and Sporting CP, but it is Sergio Conceição’s side that are expected to finally get a deal over the line.
Semedo has not played for Olympiakos in the league this season, arrested following an allegation of sexual assault - which he was cleared of and always strongly denied - although did play the entirety of all four of their Champions League qualifiers prior to the start of the league campaign, and played - and scored - as recently as the 1st December in the Greek Cup.
Semedo has been embroiled in some high-profile off-field controveries during his career, and was even banned from entering Spain for eight years and given a suspended prison sentence for incidence including robbery, kidnap and possession of a firearm during his time at Villarreal, who he joined from Sporting for around 15 million euros in 2017.
