Barcelona plotting raid for 21-year-old Brazilian right-back in 2024

The right-back position has been a major problem for Barcelona since the departure of Dani Alves way back in 2016. Various players like Nelson Semedo, Aleix Vidal, Sergi Roberto, Sergino Dest, and Hector Bellerin, have been tried but to little success.

In the 2022/23 season, manager Xavi had to turn to Jules Kounde as a makeshift right-back for the majority of the campaign. And while the Frenchman fared well, he does not wish to continue playing in the position any longer.

As such, a new player for the position has become one of the priorities for the La Liga champions heading into the summer. And, Joaquim Piera of SPORT has come out with a report which sheds light on Barcelona’s plans for the right-back slot.

As per the update, the Blaugrana plan to sign Manchester City outcast Joao Cancelo on loan for the upcoming season as a short-term fix.

And the long-term plan is to sign AS Monaco’s Brazilian right-back Vanderson in the summer of 2024.

The 21-year-old defender has been on the radars of Barça since last year, when the club made an enquiry for him, only to be quoted a massive €60 million fee, as Monaco had no desire to sell the youngster.

The report further states that Deco, who is set to become the sporting director at Barcelona soon, had recommended Vanderson’s signing to the club in early 2022 itself, but the Catalans were late in reacting and were beaten to his capture by Monaco.

Vanderson has played 39 games in 2022/23, racking up one goal and five assists. His profile is liked by those at Barcelona and the plan is to make an approach for him next year.

However, the Spanish champions will need to be wary of interest from Manchester United, who are said to be keen on signing him this summer itself.

As such, Barça would have to convince Vanderson to remain at Monaco for one more year before they can make a move. Whether such a strategy works for the Catalans will be interesting to see.