Portugal's top 5 international right backs have all been linked with moves this summer

This could be a big summer transfer window for many Portuguese players, and Portugal's current five best right back's have also been attracting interest from clubs across the continent.

With some of Europe's best clubs looking to strengthen their squads for the new campaign, several are turning to Portuguese internationals, and Nelson Semedo, João Cancelo, Ricardo Pereira and Cedric Soares have all been linked with moves away from their current clubs at some point during this window.

Nelson Semedo

Semedo is currently on the books of Barcelona but, due to his displeasure at game time being split with Sergi Roberto, is looking to move on - though whether Barcelona are willing to oblige is another matter.

There aren't many players that seek to leave a club of the stature of Barcelona, particularly when they feature in 26 of 38 La Liga matches, but it's testament to Semedo's desire to play football regularly and become a key player at a club, rather than just earn an illustrious wage at one of the world's greatest.

And it looks as though Atletico Madrid are the side that are best positioned to sign the Portuguese international, who played the entirety of the finals of the UEFA Nations League as he helped Portugal to more cup success, with the Spanish outfit trying to close a deal to sign the 25-year old for approximately €40million.

That deal would prove impressive value for money for Atletico, signing Portugal's current starting right back for a very affordable price. It is therefore unsurprising that Barcelona are hoping to keep hold of him, but player power often has a big say in the modern game.

Juventus are another club that may consider him - for a reason that will soon become clear…

João Cancelo

That's right, Juventus are looking to sell Cancelo, opening up a vacancy at right back at the Italian giants.

The reason for his sale? Sarri is believed to be unconvinced by his defensive capabilities at full back, opening up the prospect of Cancelo moving to England. 

Indeed, Manchester City are on the verge of signing the 14-time Portugal international, also for a very respectable fee of just €45million.

Under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola, you can't help but feel he'll go on to be an even better right back than he already is, his attacking style very well suited to the style of the English champions.

Ricardo Pereira

Pereira's move to Leicester City proved to be ideal for both club and player. 

Voted the Leicester player of the season last campaign, he had a debut stint in the Premier League to remember and immediately became a fan favourite. 

And now, PSG are thought to be very interested in him, along with Barcelona should they end up selling Nelson.

The chances of Ricardo leaving, though, seem small. He's enjoying his time at Leicester, is playing in what he himself stated was the best league in the world, and has revealed that he's looking forward to representing the club again next season.

But the fact that world heavyweights such as PSG and Barcelona are interested in him shows how much strength in depth Portugal have at right back; the idea that a right back that can't even get into the Portugal squad is interesting European giants such as the French and Spanish champions said all you need to know about the state of the right back department for the Seleção.

And, as unlikely as it currently seems that he'll be heading off, the transfer market can be a funny old place, and it's worth monitoring the Ricardo situation. 

Cedric Soares

The fact that Southampton were willing to loan Cedric to Inter suggests that they are open to letting him go, and although that spell in Italy didn't work out, he'll undoubtedly have plenty of suitors from many high-profile leagues.

Southampton’s plans for Cedric remain relatively unclear, although you wouldn’t bet against him moving away permanently this summer.

It seems that Inter Milan aren’t particularly keen on making his switch to Italy permanent, although it still remains a possibility, while a move to a fellow English Premier League club is also perceivable.

Andre Almeida

And finally, Benfica’s Andre Almeida has also been linked with a move away from Lisbon.

The experienced right back has been a great servant of Benfica, and has really been their only option at right back over the past season.

Also able to play in central midfield, Almeida has been linked with a move to England (mainly by the English press) all summer, with a trio of clubs set to be interested.

Wolves, Everton and Newcastle are claimed to be the three clubs looking to sign Almeida, although it seems difficult to envisage Benfica letting him go considering their lack of depth in the right back department.

Cedric Soares. Photo author: Екатерина Лаут. License link.