Barcelona will 'scout' two Monaco players during Champions League clash

Barcelona will reportedly be watching the performances of Monaco duo Caio Henrique and Vanderson during Thursday's Champions League contest between the two sides.

The Catalan giants decided against signing replacements for Marcos Alonso and Joao Cancelo over the summer, with Gerard Martin and Hector Fort instead being promoted to the first team on a permanent basis.

However, Barcelona are currently short of options in the full-back areas, and it is believed that the club will look to sign both a right-back and a left-back in 2025.

According to SPORT, Barcelona chief Deco will be monitoring the performances of Henrique and Vanderson when Monaco take on the La Liga giants in the Champions League on Thursday night.

The report claims that the Catalan team view Henrique as the perfect back-up for Alejandro Balde, while Vanderson is regarded as a potential starter at right-back, which would allow Jules Kounde to operate in his preferred centre-back position on a more regular basis.

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Barcelona 'interested' in Monaco duo Henrique, Vanderson

Vanderson's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur also believed to be interested in his signature.

The 23-year-old has made a strong start to the 2024-25 campaign, scoring once and providing one assist in four appearances in France's top flight.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian has represented Monaco on 88 occasions since arriving from Gremio in January 2022, providing seven goals and registering 10 assists in the process.

Vanderson has a contract with his current team until June 2028, but it does appear that he could be on the move next summer, with Monaco expected to receive at least one offer for the right-back.

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Who is Monaco defender Henrique?

Henrique actually started his professional career with Atletico Madrid, making one appearance for the capital side in the Copa del Rey, but he spent time out on loan in Brazil before moving to Monaco in 2020.

The 27-year-old has made 141 appearances for his current side, scoring three goals and registering 34 assists in the process, including one assist in two appearances so far this season.

Henrique is capable of operating in a number of different positions, including in midfield, but he is primarily viewed by Monaco as a left-back, and it is believed that Barcelona would use him in that area, should a switch to Camp Nou occur.

The Brazilian has three years left to run on his current deal, having penned an extension in August 2022, but he could also be on the move during next summer's transfer window.

Both are expected to start for Monaco against Barcelona on Thursday evening, and strong performances could potentially see them earn high-profile moves to the Catalan giants.

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