Barcelona are keeping a keen eye on AS Monaco’s full-backs, namely, Caio Henrique and Vanderson, and as reported by Joaquim Piera in SPORT, both players are highly regarded by the club, with the management planning on monitoring them during the upcoming Champions League tie
After struggling to secure adequate replacements for Joao Cancelo and Marcos Alonso, Barcelona’s sports management is now chalking out the market to strengthen their squad, with the winter transfer window being a key moment for new signings.
The club is interested in finding full-backs who bring qualities that are currently missing from the squad, and Henrique and Vanderson fit this profile perfectly.
Both players, who operate on different sides of the pitch, are seen as potential additions without hindering the development of the youth players already in the squad. This is crucial to maintaining the balance between nurturing young talent and bringing in experience.
Deco is involved in the operations
Interestingly, Barcelona’s chance to scout these two players in action comes naturally, as the Champions League will bring the team to Monaco for a match.
Deco, who is now deeply involved in Barcelona’s operations, will be paying close attention to the two full-backs during this encounter.
Interestingly, both players share the same agent, which could potentially make any negotiations smoother.
Henrique, at 27 years old, is a versatile full-back who can also play as a centre-back or midfielder. He has international experience with Brazil and will likely be part of their squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
His skills and experience make him a perfect fit to complement Alejandro Balde in Barcelona’s defence, a role that Marcos Alonso was expected to fill but couldn’t manage during his time at the club.
Barça even tried to sign Caio Henrique back in 2022, but negotiations with Monaco fell through.
Barcelona have shown interest in Vanderson too
On the other hand, Vanderson, now 24, is considered a dynamic right-back who is powerful and capable of playing for a top European club.
Deco was keen on bringing him to Barcelona not only when Vanderson left Gremio in 2022 but even in the summer of 2023. As it turns out, Monaco had already sealed the deal and the second time, the transfer did not go through.
Meanwhile, Vanderson is often compared to Dani Alves in his ability to cover the wing, although he brings even more physicality to the role.
Monaco’s sporting director, Thiago Scouro, is aware of Barcelona’s interest in these players. In fact, Monaco have already taken steps to prepare for their potential departure, having signed Jordan Treze from PSV and Kassoum Ouattara from Amiens.
