Barcelona weighing up loan-to-buy deal for €18 million-rated Brazilian full-back | OneFootball

As was reported earlier this month, the left-back position is emerging as a cause for concern at FC Barcelona.

Alejandro Balde, despite his positive attributes, has been found wanting at times, at both ends of the pitch, while Gerard Martin has largely underwhelmed as well.

It has given way to speculations about a move for Alphonso Davies in the summer when his contract at Bayern Munich expires.

But it appears that Barcelona have other options on their radars, one of them hailing from the French Ligue 1.

Caio Henrique on Barcelona’s agenda

Indeed, according to journalist Andres Onrubia, Barcelona are interested in AS Monaco’s Brazilian left-back Caio Henrique.

The 27-year-old full-back, who has been monitored by the Blaugrana’s sporting director Deco for some time, is considering a move away from the Ligue 1 outfit after losing prominence in the current season.

Future teammates? (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Henrique, who has been at Monaco since 2020, has started just eight Ligue 1 games this season and is no longer seen as an undisputed starter by manager Adi Hutter, as a result of which, he is pondering a January exit.

As far as Barcelona are concerned, they have been tracking the Brazilian for some time now and see him as a valuable player due to his quality and versatility – he can play at left-back, in midfield or on the wings.

As per the report, a loan deal with a permanent buy option is being considered for the 27-year-old, although it is unclear if Barça want him for January or in the summer.

The player, for his part, is said to be open to an exit in the upcoming winter window.

So, it will certainly be interesting to see if the Catalan giants opt to make a move for him in January, although given their FFP woes and the need to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, such a move seems unlikely.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.