If we are to believe what Daniel Alves has already told us his last game in a FC Barcelona jersey will be the Champions League final - Juventus. He has stated that club president Josep Bartomeu knows what Alves wants in order to keep him. So if the Brazilian right back isn’t given the contract he wants who can replace him.
Current right backs:
Martín Montoya: Montoya has been at Barcelona since 2011. The 24 year old has always been second choice to the more experienced Alves. Most of his starts have been due to Alves picking up a suspension or being rested. When he has played he has been average, his pace is a positive but he cannot deliver the ball to the attacking players quite like Alves. A concern is his defensive ability one minute he looks strong the next he is struggling. There has been much speculation regarding his future at the club. If Alves does leave it could be his chance to shine.
Douglas: Where can I begin with Douglas, the 24 year old Brazilian has played very little games this season for the club since he arrived in August 2014 for €4 million + €1.5 million in add-ons. He didn’t impress when he started against Malaga. He is fast sure but defensively he looked shaky and Luis Enrique hasn’t placed much trust in him this season.
Adriano: One of the most versatile players in the Barcelona squad Adriano – usually a left back has been played on the right hand side this season by Enrique. Adriano is not a world class player, he is a good player to have as back up, great to score a free kick but other than that he doesn’t bring much. Not a solution for the problem.
Potential signings:
Aleix Vidal (Sevilla): Barcelona are rumoured to be very interested in the Sevilla right back. Of course Dani Alves was bought from Sevilla in 2008 so could the apprentice take over from the master? He has impressed this season, quick up and down the right wing and an eye for goal he sounds like just what Barcelona want from a right back. His two goals - Fiorentina in the Europa League semi-final have earned him a lot of attention so Barcelona will have competition for his signature.
Matteo Darmian (Torino): This 24 year Old Italian is also on the clubs radar following a strong season with Torino in Serie A and he featured in Italy’s 2014 World Cup campaign where he impressed many. He has played both as a right midfielder and a right back. He is fast and is good at delivering the ball into the box. His game needs work defensively but all in all he is a player to look out for in the future.
Barcelona have plenty of options if Dani Alves does leave but they cannot sign a player until January 2016 so keeping onto Martín Montoya could be a priority this summer while they plan for the future.