The Blaugrana have long been cognisant of the necessity to strengthen the right-back and left wing positions, even in the face of ongoing financial uncertainty and La Liga’s strict salary cap provisions.
Barcelona sporting director Deco is driving summer plans to strengthen the team with a right-back now in his reported sights.
Moreover, Barcelona is also keeping an eye on Arsenal’s midfielder, Thomas Partey, whose contract expires this summer, as an emergency right-back.
However, according to Diario Sport, Barcelona plans to strengthen their squad with Fiorentina’s Brazilian right-back Dodo
Deco has already started negotiating with Dodo’s representative, Giuliano Bertolucci, who also represents Monaco player Vanderson, another defender reportedly on his way to Barcelona.
The 26-year-old Dodo, who signed for Fiorentina from Shakhtar Donetsk and Vitória Guimarães in 2021 for €15.4 million, is now back to his best after a long-term injury and is now being targeted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The future of his contract is unclear, with some reports indicating his contract is set to expire either in 2027 or this summer.
It is, however, reported that Dodo has shelved extension talks with Fiorentina after he was informed of Barcelona’s interest.
This may pave the way for a transfer.
An attacking right-back, Dodo would provide a counter to Barcelona’s new first-choice right-back, Jules Koundé, who is physically more robust at the back.
The Brazilian’s way of playing, however, is the opposite of the new trend at the club to play physically more robust, taller center-backs such as Marc Pubill, Andrei Ratiu, and Givairo.
Barcelona’s current relationship with Bertolucci, who has arranged a series of deals with the club in the past, would be a prime consideration in the deal.
With finances remaining as tight as ever, Barcelona’s ability to sign him will hinge on sales of players and salary cap rebalancing in La Liga.
Deco’s signing of a new defender, however, shows that the club is desperate to strengthen their defense ahead of the new season, as the hunt to sign Dodo heats up in Europe.
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