Dodó, the Brazilian right-back on FC Barcelona's radar for a free transfer

FC Barcelona's transfer plans have turned towards Italy, where a potential bargain has emerged. Dodó, Fiorentina's Brazilian right-back, is on the Catalan club's radar as a future option to reinforce a position currently filled by players playing out of their natural role. At 27, the defender is entering the final stretch of his contract with the Tuscan side, making him an appealing target for Barcelona's sporting department.

• Dodó, a 27-year-old right-back, is close to the end of his Fiorentina contract and could leave on a free transfer.
• FC Barcelona are exploring ways to strengthen the right flank, currently occupied by Eric Garcia and previously by Jules Koundé, both natural centre-backs.
• Juventus and Milan are also monitoring the Brazilian international.
• Dodó's reduced playing time in Serie A has been linked to his unresolved contract situation.
• The defender is 1.66 metres tall and known for his attacking thrust.

Dodó, an out-of-contract right-back attracting Barcelona's attention

Fiorentina are dealing with a delicate situation involving one of their wide players. Dodó started the first two Serie A matchdays, but his presence in the starting eleven dropped in the following games. Italian media have tied that change in status to a contractual issue: there has been no progress in his renewal and the club have reportedly responded by reducing his playing time.

That context has put the Brazilian in the shop window across Europe. With his contract nearing its end, any club can negotiate with him without paying a transfer fee, and FC Barcelona have taken notice. The defender, standing at 1.66 metres, blends speed with a clear attacking mindset down the wing, a profile that fits the kind of deep-running full-back valued at the highest level.

FC Barcelona's defensive issues and the right-back problem

The interest in Dodó is no coincidence. FC Barcelona have a clear shortage at right-back, a position that head coach Hansi Flick has been patching up. Eric Garcia has become the first choice in that role, while Jules Koundé held the spot before him. Neither is a natural full-back: both are centre-backs fulfilling a duty out of necessity.

The situation on the left flank is also far from ideal. Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart, two versatile right-footed players, regularly share duties on the left side. Alejandro Balde, the most natural left-back in the squad, has slipped to third or even fourth choice under Flick, who sometimes prefers to move Gerard Martín back to his natural position.

What Dodó would bring to FC Barcelona

Dodó is an attack-minded full-back, used to pushing into the opposition half and creating overloads on the wing. His 1.66-metre frame hasn't stopped him from competing in a demanding league like Serie A, where he has built a reputation as one of the most reliable wide defenders in the competition. His ability to reach the byline and deliver crosses, combined with solid defensive awareness, makes him an attractive option for teams seeking width and depth from their full-backs.

For FC Barcelona, signing him would solve a structural need with minimal financial outlay. With Dodó available on a free transfer, the Catalan club could channel resources into other areas and finally settle the right-back position with a specialist, rather than continuing to rely on converted centre-backs.

Competition for Dodó: Juventus and Milan also keen

Barcelona won't have a clear run at the Brazilian. Reports from Italy suggest that Juventus and Milan, two Serie A heavyweights, have also shown interest in bringing him in for 2027. The chance to sign him without paying a transfer fee makes him a highly attractive target for clubs looking to strengthen their full-back positions without straining their budgets.

The race for Dodó therefore looks set to be intense. The player will have the opportunity to choose his next project, and Barcelona will hope that the pull of their badge and the promise of a starting role on the right flank work in their favour when the time comes to submit a formal offer.

What happens with Barcelona's right-back spot this season

While the market moves in the background, FC Barcelona must manage the present with what they have. Eric Garcia continues to fill the right-back role with competence in most matches, while Koundé remains a reliable alternative when the coach calls on him. The arrival of a specialist like Dodó, however, would allow both centre-backs to return to their natural position and give the team a true attacking full-back.

Frequently asked questions about Barcelona's interest in Dodó