Barcelona’s insatiable appetite for bolstering their ranks has seen them set their sights on a new target: Vanderson, the 22-year-old Brazilian right-back who has taken Ligue 1 by storm since joining AS Monaco in January 2022. According to reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Catalan giants are considering a summer move for the young full-back, with former Barcelona legend Deco pushing hard for the transfer.
The Rise of Vanderson
Vanderson’s journey to this point has been one of determination and self-belief. Born in the southern Brazilian city of Pelotas, he joined the youth academy of local club Gremio as a teenager, where his talents soon began to catch the eye of scouts from across Europe. After honing his skills in Gremio’s famed youth setup, Vanderson made his first-team debut at just 19 years old, quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting young prospects in Brazilian football.
It wasn’t long before Europe’s top clubs came calling, but it was AS Monaco who won the race to secure Vanderson’s signature in January 2022, parting with a reported €11 million to bring him to the Principality. The move proved to be a masterstroke, as Vanderson quickly adapted to life in Ligue 1, cementing his place as a regular starter and earning rave reviews for his attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
In just over two years with the Monegasque club, Vanderson has made 78 appearances, contributing five goals and nine assists from his marauding full-back role. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several of Europe’s elite clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid, reportedly monitoring his progress closely.
Barcelona’s Interest
It is Barcelona, however, who appear to have made the most concrete steps in their pursuit of Vanderson. The Blaugrana considered signing the Brazilian last summer, but ultimately opted to bring in Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo on loan instead. Despite Cancelo’s impressive performances this season, negotiations to secure his permanent transfer have hit a roadblock, leaving Barcelona to explore alternative options.
Enter Deco, the former Barcelona midfield maestro who now works as an agent for some of the game’s brightest talents. Deco has reportedly been pushing hard for Vanderson’s move to the Camp Nou, believing that the young Brazilian’s skill set would make him an ideal fit for Xavi’s system.
However, any potential deal will not come cheap. AS Monaco are said to be demanding a fee in the region of €50 million for their prized asset – a figure that may stretch Barcelona’s already tight finances to the limit. Negotiations are likely to be protracted, with the Catalan club exploring every avenue to bring the fee down to a more manageable level.
Fitting into Xavi’s System
If Barcelona can pull off the signing of Vanderson, it would represent a significant coup for the club. At just 22 years old, the Brazilian boasts a maturity beyond his years, combining technical excellence with a robust defensive aptitude that would make him a perfect fit for Xavi’s high-intensity, possession-based approach.
Vanderson’s ability to maraud down the right flank, whipping in dangerous crosses and combining with his teammates in tight spaces, would add an extra dimension to Barcelona’s attack. Crucially, he would also provide defensive solidity, a trait that has sometimes been lacking in recent years as the club’s full-backs have been encouraged to push ever higher up the pitch.
With the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha already occupying the wide areas for Barcelona, the addition of Vanderson would create a level of competition for places that could spur the entire squad to even greater heights. In a squad brimming with youthful talent, the Brazilian’s arrival would further reinforce Barcelona’s commitment to building a team capable of dominating both domestically and in Europe for years to come.
Conclusion
As the summer transfer window approaches, Barcelona’s pursuit of Vanderson is sure to be one of the most intriguing storylines. If they can overcome the financial hurdles and convince the talented Brazilian to swap the French Riviera for the Catalan coast, it could prove to be a transfer that shapes the club’s future for the better.
With Deco pushing hard behind the scenes and Vanderson’s star continuing to rise, the stage is set for what could be a transfer saga of epic proportions. Only time will tell if Barcelona can pull off this audacious move, but one thing is certain: Vanderson’s potential arrival would send shockwaves through European football, signaling the Blaugrana’s intent to return to the summit of the game.
