Barcelona monitoring situation of €25m-rated player liked by manager Xavi - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly tracking AS Monaco right-back Vanderson, who is reported to be admired by manager Xavi Hernandez.
According to a report from Diariogol (translated from Spanish to English), the Blaugrana are keen to reinforce the right side of their defence in the summer. They view Vanderson as a solid option and are aware that he will cost them €25 million, a price that could go up.
It's worth noting that the Blaugrana secured the services of Mexican full-back Julian Araujo earlier this month. Despite Araujo's arrival, Diarigol's report suggests that they're keen to add more depth in the right-back position by bringing in Vanderson too.
The Brazilian, 21, has enjoyed a superb season so far for Monaco. He has recorded four assists in 28 games across competitions and has become a fixture in the French outfit's starting XI. The full-back has averaged 0.7 key passes, 4.5 successful duels, 2.5 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game in 20 Ligue 1 outings.
Vanderson joined Monaco in January last year from Brazilian side Gremio. He has since made 50 appearances for the Ligue 1 giants, scoring twice and laying out seven assists.
As per the aforementioned report, Barcelona boss Xavi is positive about Vanderson's growth margin, youth and versatility. The Blaugrana will also likely get more attacking output from the youngster.
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That's something they have not received in great amount from first-choice right-back Jules Kounde this season. Kounde, a centre-back by trade, has been pushed to the right flank in defence due to a lack of other alternatives.
He has certainly helped Barcelona defensively, averaging 1.2 tackles, 1.2 clearances and 0.7 interceptions per game in 15 La Liga appearances. However, the Frenchman has averaged just 0.4 key passes per game and has created only two big chances.
The Blaugrana notably let Sergino Dest join AC Milan on a season-long loan last summer, while Hector Bellerin left on a free transfer in January. Utility man Sergi Roberto, meanwhile, is filling in for the injured Pedri Gonzalez in midfield.
Barcelona likely to start Jules Kounde at right-back in Europa League tie against Manchester United
Barcelona's reported interest in AS Monaco's Vanderson will take a backseat for now as they focus on their immediate objectives. The Blaugrana meet Manchester United at Old Trafford in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff tie on Thursday (February 23).
Manager Xavi Hernandez chose a unique formation in the first leg against United at home, which ended 2-2. Jules Kounde was deployed at centre-back alongside Marcos Alonso, while Ronaldo Araujo started at right-back.
None of the three players seemed to be playing to their maximum capabilities, as Marcus Rashford and the Red Devils ran riot in the second half.
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On Thursday, Barcelona are expected to revert to their tried and tested combination in defence. Araujo and Andreas Christensen are expected to start at the heart of the backline, with Kounde and Alejandro Balde likely to man the flanks.