Villarreal have confirmed the signing of defender Ruben Semedo from Sporting Lisbon for a reported fee of €14m.
The 23-year-old revealed he rejected a move to an English club, thought to be Newcastle United, because he preferred Villarreal’s ‘style of play’ while the Portuguese giants included a 20% sell-on clause in the deal.
“I chose Villarreal because I like their style of play,” Semedo stated at his unveiling.
“The team has a lot of quality and I think can help the team with my quality.
“I had other clubs interested in me, good clubs from England.
“But when I heard the name Villarreal I decided to come here.
“I’m excited to play in La Liga, to win titles for Villarreal, help the team and have a good season.”
Semedo is the Yellow Submarine’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of striker Enal Unes from Manchester City and the Portuguese will replace Milan-bound Mateo Mussachio.