Revealed: The three right-backs on Barcelona's transfer shortlist

FT Desk

8 Oct 2022 15:32 BST
3 min read

Barcelona spent €150 million on the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde this summer, but right-back remains a problem position at Camp Nou.

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Kounde can play there, but the France international would rather line up as a centre-back or, at the least, on that right of a back three - something Barca rarely use under Xavi.

Dani Alves was a generational right-back who won 26 major honours with the Blaugrana in his first spell with the club, before returning for a brief swansong last season, and it has proved difficult to replace the Brazilian.

Everybody ❤️ Dani Alves#SundayFunday pic.twitter.com/aXFrL3lXgP
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 27, 2022

Sergi Roberto, a midfielder by trade, has been used there, while Sergino Dest didn't work out following his €26 million arrival from Ajax in 2020, and is now on loan at AC Milan.

Hector Bellerin was signed for the job this season following his return on a free transfer from Arsenal, but he has only signed a one-year deal and is now injured, with Kounde making do.

'Young, attacking profile'

Accordingly, Barca plan to go shopping either this winter or next summer, with a right-back firmly in mind.

"The profile of player Barcelona are looking for is that if a young and attacking player," report Catalan newspaper Sport. "The Portugal international Diogo Dalot is a great solution, but Barca have also been following Torino wide man Stephane Singo, who is out of contract, closely.

"Barcelona also have an eye on the Brazilian market, with Monaco defender Vanderson one of the options being considered. He's a proven player, albeit one with a high price of €60 million. There are also cheaper alternatives in Brazil who haven't yet made the leap to European football."

Dalot is out of contract at Man Utd next summer and the Red Devils would reportedly settle for €25m in January. Singo could prove the cheapest option, the Ivorian rated at €13m by Football Transfers in-house algorithm.