For a long tenure of seasons, Barcelona didn’t have to worry about their right-back spot, as they had one of the world’s best in Dani Alves for that position. With his overlaps and underlaps, Alves constructed one of the best partnerships with Lionel Messi on that right flank, becoming one of the most threatening sights for the opponents during that time. Those years are now in the rearview mirror.
Following Alves’ departure, no single Barcelona player could really make that spot his own. Sergi Roberto tried for a few years, and so did players like Sergino Dest and Oscar Mingueza. In recent years, Jules Kounde has been consistently playing in that position, but his injury and the massive dip in his form and momentum have put him well below the pecking order.
Since the tip-off of this season, that role has been given to Eric Garcia and Xavi Espart by Hansi Flick. Subsequently, both of these players are now injured as well, leaving the Catalan club shorthanded in terms of options at this crucial juncture of the season. This is where Barca has entered the rumours to pursue a move for Fiorentina right-back Dodo.
According to DAZN, Dodo is linked to the Catalan club, with Fiorentina open to holding talks regarding the player in the January winter transfer window. Dodo has refused to sign a contract renewal with Fiorentina. The Brazilian’s current contract is expiring in June, making him a free agent.
Dodo moved to Fiorentina from Shakhtar Donetsk back in 2022 for a sum of £ 12.2M- £ 12.8M. The Brazilian was quite prolific in his initial seasons with the club, but currently his role in the team is far from a definite starter. The 27-year-old has played just 181 minutes in the current season.
Being a natural right-back and honed with strong dribbling skills and byline runs, Dodo can be a great fit in Hansi Flick’s intense attacking style of play. This move can allow Barca to move on from their practice of using center-backs like Garcia and Kounde for that position. Currently valued between £ 10.9 M and £ 13.4M, Barca can even get the player for free if they wait till the summer transfer window.
Barca’s sporting director has been quite smart with free agent signings in the last few seasons as well, bringing in players like Ilkay Gundogan and Joao Cancelo. In that aspect, Deco has liked the player for quite a time now, as the Catalan club even showed interest last year as well.
Barca’s sporting director was even reportedly in touch with Dodo’s agent, Giuliano Bertolucci. However, the Catalan club needs to be quite cautious with their approach, because teams like AC Milan and Juventus are also keeping a close eye on the player. Barca’s preference for the player is quite clear given the reports, but now it will be up to Deco and the front office to make the move either in the winter transfer window in January or in the upcoming summer.
