Barcelona have finally identified Dani Alves’ perfect long-term replacement

Barcelona have had constant problems at the right back’s position ever since Dani Alves departed and it’s high time that they’re fixed for once and for all.

Barcelona’s woes on the road continued as they were held to a 2-2 stalemate by crosstown rivals Espanyol in the Catalan Derby. David Lopez struck for the hosts at the RCDE Stadium, before Luis Suarez scored once and set Arturo Vidal up to put the Blaugrana 2-1 up. De Jong saw a red card 15 minutes ahead of full time, allowing Wu Lei to capitalize on the man advantage and ensuring that the rivals were made to share the spoils.

Marc Andre Ter Stegen was missed in goal, but Barca were exposed once again down their right flank. Lionel Messi roaming freely means that there is one less man there as it is and the long lasting problems persisted at right back with Sergi Roberto failing to defend. Valverde’s biggest headache is at that position where even Nelson Semedo underperforms.

Realistically, Dani Alves has not been properly replaced by the Catalans who have always looked at cheaper options to be signed at right back ever since the Brazilian departed. Aleix Vidal was nothing great either and frankly, Nelson Semedo has not been too good either. Sergi Roberto deserves credit for filling into the role as a makeshift full back, but even he has been cracking under pressure lately and showing his vulnerable side.

El Desmarque has claimed that Ernesto Valverde’s side has made the signing of a right back as one of its top priorities for 2020 and have shortlisted Leicester City star Ricardo Pereira as a potential fill-in. Pereira has been indispensable for the Foxes under Brendan Rodgers and has been sublime in the defensive and attacking departments on a consistent basis.

Leicester City are thought to be valuing their Portuguese ace at 50 million euros, but the Catalans will attempt to lower the asking price to 40 million euros. Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich is also an option for Barca but his transfer cost of 65 million euros in addition to lofty wage demands could put the club off. That said, there is a chance that Barcelona move for Kimmich given that there is a possible deal for Philippe Coutinho on the cards.