Barcelona make their Champions League debut on Thursday evening, with a trip to the Stade Louis II to face AS Monaco. They will be hoping to come back with a favourable result, but also a good look at two of their opponents.
As per Sport, Sporting Director Deco will use the clash as an opportunity to watch Monaco right-back Vanderson and left-back Caio Henrique. The latter, 27 years of age, has recovered well from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and can play in midfield and at centre-back.
15-year-old Mexican striker Gilberto Mora has received an invitation from Barcelona to train at La Masia. @TUDNMEX
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 17, 2024
Both have been capped by Brazil, and Vanderson had offers from the Premier League this summer, but decided not to move, and he has been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United in the past. The 23-year-old is highy regarded by Deco, and is now into his third season in Europe.
Barcelona currently have youngsters Hector Fort and Gerard Martin backing up Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde. They did consider a move for a right-back this summer though, with Marc Pubill linked with a late switch, and it is certainly an area they could do with more depth in. At any rate, it seems unlikely Barcelona will have the money for big moves in January, and if they did, it would likely go towards a central midfielder.