Brighton set to snap up Benfica striker

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 24 May 2023 19:19 BST
• 3 min read

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Brighton are looking at a move for Luis Semedo at Benfica, FootballTransfers can reveal.

The Seagulls have had their watchful eye on the striker in recent weeks. The teenager has rejected terms at his current side with his deal running out next month.

It is thought that Brighton are looking at preparing a move for the 19-year-old. Semedo is with a renowned agency, Universal Twenty Two, the same firm that oversaw Alexander Isak’s move from Real Sociedad to Newcastle last summer.

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Semedo could well follow Joao Pedro through the door as a new addition to Brighton.

It comes after Roberto De Zerbi admitted Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister could play at the Amex for the final time against Manchester City.

The Italian coach said: “They can have the possibility to change (clubs) because they deserve to play in another level.

“But now we can offer them the possibility to play in Europe because our level is bigger now. We can offer them one possibility more.’

Can Brighton hold onto their stars?

When asked if a European qualification can make the difference in them staying, De Zerbi replied: ‘It can be. They can have more motivation. But they are very good guys. When I work, I think for myself, I think for my club but I think still for the players because the players have one career, one life and we can’t decide for them.

“I don’t know what Tony (Bloom, Brighton owner) can decide but if they want to leave, for myself, it’s right they leave.”

Caicedo was the subject of a £70million bid from Arsenal in the January window and has gone from strength to strength at the AMEX Stadium this term with Manchester United and Chelsea also among his admirers.

Mac Allister is strongly linked with a move to Liverpool - with both the player’s side and the club thrashing out personal terms.

The Reds are yet to make a bid for the World Cup winner, however.