Sunderland signs Portuguese striker Luís 'Hemir' Silva Semedo

Sunderland has signed Luís Hemir Silva Semedo, the 19-year-old striker from S. L. Benfica, subject to international clearance.

While the fee for the transfer remains undisclosed, the club has confirmed that Hemir has committed to a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

Previously, Hemir played for both Benfica B and the Under-23 team. Over the past two seasons, he recorded an impressive 28 goals in 61 appearances.

His footballing skills have also been demonstrated on the international stage, having represented Portugal at Under-16, Under-19, and Under-20 levels.

The striker is scheduled to join Sunderland's first team training session on Monday, 26 June.

Reflecting on his transfer, Hemir said, “This is a big move for me and I am very excited to be here. Sunderland AFC have a lot of young players playing an important part in the team and I think this will be really good for my personal development. I’m excited to meet my new team mates, see the stadium and experience the fans.”

Kristjaan Speakman, Sporting Director of Sunderland AFC, also commented on Hemir's arrival.

He said, “Hemir is very talented young player who’s motivated to develop and progress. 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. He will complement our existing options in the final third and he possesses some great physical and technical attributes, so we are really happy he’s chosen to continue his career with SAFC.”