Barcelona trying to convince £52m Man Utd target to hold back on Nou Camp switch until 2024
Barcelona have identified Monaco’s Vanderson as their top right-back target but will reportedly ask the youngster to wait a year before making the move to Catalonia.
Barca boss Xavi is looking to strengthen his back-line this summer by bringing in an orthodox right-back, having used central defender Jules Kounde out of position for the majority of the LaLiga campaign.
And according to Spanish publication Sport, Vanderson has been picked out by the club’s recruitment team as the ideal signing. However, there are a couple of issues concerning signing the player this summer.
Firstly, Manchester United are also showing concrete interest in the 21-year-old, with Erik ten Hag a major fan of the young defender.
Indeed, the Red Devils are said to have approached Monaco about a potential deal over the coming months.
The other issue for Barca is that they cannot afford to buy Vanderson this summer.
The reigning LaLiga champions are still grappling with Financial Fair Play regulations, despite offloading some of their biggest earners and need to sell several players if they are going to afford new additions.
Barcelona are already known to have offered a contract to Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan but have missed out on persuading Lionel Messi to return to the Nou Camp after the club legend opted for an Inter Miami switch instead.
Barca urging Vanderson to snub United move
Sport claims that Barca’s hierarchy are trying to convince Vanderson to snub any approaches from the Premier League and want him to stay at Monaco for one more season.
In a year’s time, the Catalan giants are then hopeful they will be able to spend appropriately again and will then renew their interest in the player.
It’s claimed that Deco actually recommended Vanderson to Barca 18 months ago, having been working as an external advisor to Joan Laporta at the time. However, during that time Barcelona opted against forking out the £9m it would have taken to sign him from Brazilian side Gremio.
Deco is now set to be appointed as the new sporting director at the Nou Camp, replacing Jordi Cruyff, and remains a massive fan of Vanderson, who Monaco want around £52.6million for.
Barcelona will, however, still look to bring in a new right-back this summer and have set their sights on securing a loan deal for Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo – who spent the second half of this season on loan at Bayern Munich.
