Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has opened up on the challenges his side faced in sealing a deal for talented youngster Luis 'Hemir' Semedo after the forward's arrival was confirmed on Sunday morning.
The 19-year-old's signing was sealed for what is believed to be a seven-figured fee, with Hemir putting pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light, but only after the Black Cats had to see off competition for the Portuguese youth international before convincing the player himself to leave Benfica after an 11-year association with the club.
“Hemir is very talented young player who’s motivated to develop and progress," Speakman said. "It was not an easy decision for him to leave a club where he has been since eight years of age, and equally it was not an easy acquisition for us considering the level of interest in him.
