Barcelona have failed to replace most of their legends who left the club of late which include the likes of Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernandez and the latest one being Dani Alves. The Brazil international left Nou Camp last summer to make a move to Italian side Juventus and Luis Enrique has quite visibly failed to fill his void.
His decision to not bring in reinforcements on the right defensive flank hasn’t gone down well with fans and now with Aleix Vidal out for the season with a horrific ankle injury, Sergi Roberto is the only option left for the gaffer to use. And given Roberto’s last few displays, it’s safe for the team to keep him on the bench rather than play him.
The Catalans are in desperate need of a right back. After Martin Caceres joined Southampton, they did consider bringing in former Chelsea player Bosingwa, which pretty much indicates their crisis at the back. Barcelona are one match away from a Champions league exit and there is a slim chance for them to have shot at the domestic title, as well, considering Real Madrid are so far ahead and have a game in hand.
A lot of arrivals are expected this summer to Nou Camp as they don’t have a well-balanced and deep squad oozing with quality like say, Real Madrid. According to reports, the latest player to interest the Barcelona camp is Portuguese full-back, Cedric Soares. The Southampton right-back has shown glimpses of his brilliance this season and many believe the 25-year-old to be the next big thing in world football.
The Spanish giants would reportedly have to offer at least £15 million to tempt Southampton into negotiations of one of their star players. Soares seems to have the two qualities that complete a full back. He can produce some brilliant crosses from the flanks and is quite solid defence-wise. His style of play involves short passes and he likes to keep it in ground, which pretty much makes him Barcelona material.
A youth product of Sporting CP Juvenis, he came up the ranks of the legendary Portugal side before making it to the first team in 2011. After spending some loan stints with Coimbra, Sporting CP sold him to English side Southampton in 2015. A right-back by nature, he can also play in an advanced role as and when needed. Although he has been brilliant at times, he is yet to reach his full potential, which Barcelona can bring out of him.
