Benfica don't give up on signing Ruben Semedo

Benfica are still looking into the possibility of signing Olympiakos centreback Ruben Semedo as Jorge Jesus continues to try and build a squad capable of competing on the continental and domestic stage last season.

The Portuguese defender, who is capped at U21 level for his country, joined in 2017, and has been impressive during his time in Greece, having had several high-profile off-field controversie that saw him handed a suspended prison sentence.

Nevertheless, the 26-year old has bounced back in style after an excellent 2019-20 campaign winning the Greek league title under the management of compatriot Pedro Martins, while they could also still do the domestic double, set to face AEK Athens in the final, which takes place in mid-September.

Semedo may well not be there for much longer though, and whether he will even be a Olympiakos player for that final match of the season cannot be guaranteed, with Benfica maintaining firm interest in the former Sporting defender.

Indeed, Olympiakos, owned by Greek businessman Evangelos Marinakis, are set to sign central midfielder Pêpê from Vitoria Guimaraes for around 6 million euros - and Benfica own 50% of his economic rights. That means that Semedo’s transfer fee could be lowered should Benfica agree to waive the fee they are owed for Pêpê.

Semedo previously played for Villarreal, who bought him from Sporting CP back in 2017 for a fee of 14 million euros.