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Assessing Options: Barcelona’s Right Back Hunt

By Sean Whooley

BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 9: Aleix vidal of F.C.Barcelona, fighting for the ball with Ibai Gómez from Deportivo alavés, during the Spanish League match between F.C Barcelona vs Deportivo Alavés at Nou Camp, on September, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Joan Cros Garcia/Corbis via Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 9: Aleix vidal of F.C.Barcelona, fighting for the ball with Ibai Gómez from Deportivo alavés, during the Spanish League match between F.C Barcelona vs Deportivo Alavés at Nou Camp, on September, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Joan Cros Garcia/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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It is no secret that Barcelona are in the market for a right back.

The departure of Dani Alves to Juventus coupled with Aleix Vidal’s failure to adjust has thrust central midfielder Sergi Roberto into a makeshift right back role. While the 24-year-old has performed admirably, it is becoming more and more evident that it is not something that will last too long.

Roberto looks a real threat in attack, as anyone would expect from a player groomed to be a midfielder. However, the loss of Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti to injury this season has seen more pressure on Barcelona’s defense—and the inexperience of Roberto in defense has been revealed. As this has come to light, quite a few right backs in European football have been linked with a move to Catalonia.

Several of those links came in the form of Premier League players. Here are three Premier League right backs rumored to be on the move to join Luis Enrique’s team, and why it will or won’t work out.

Nathaniel Clyne, Liverpool-Low Chance

Clyne emerged as a stout right back in 2014/15 with Southampton, and earned a $15.5 million move to Liverpool the following summer. During an up-and-down season last year for the club, Clyne was seen as one of their most consistent players, always performing at a high level. That has carried into this season, as he has played every minute of Premier League action for the Reds, who currently sit at the top of the table.

The reports linking Clyne with Barcelona began in the summer, as some media reported Clyne as “unhappy” with life under Jurgen Klopp. If that was ever the case, it certainly is not now. Liverpool are flying high and Clyne is an important figure on Merseyside.

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Given Clyne’s outstanding level of play over the past few seasons, along with Liverpool’s form and the well-known desperation of Barcelona, this move seems improbable to happen, at least in January. Liverpool could probably ask Enrique for upwards of $20-25 million strictly because of the previously stated reasons, and while Barcelona are in need, that is far too much for a right back. Expect Clyne to remain with Liverpool, and Barcelona to search elsewhere.

Cedric Soares, Southampton-High Chance

Cedric, oddly enough Clyne’s replacement at Southampton, has burst onto the scene as a very serviceable right back.

The Portuguese international moved from Sporting CP prior to last season. While he has split time with Cuco Martina at right back, the 25-year-old is a solid option for Barcelona. He would provide defensive stability, and he created 26 chances for the Saints last year while tacking on two assists—not a bad haul for a right back. He also came into the fold as the starter for Portugal on their run to victory at the Euros over the summer, showing his prowess on an international stage.

Cedric would also be a good move because he can be either a short-term or long-term solution. Southampton would likely not require too high a price considering they have Martina waiting in the wings. Cedric can slot into the Barça team right away. Should he impress, perhaps he could fill the Dani Alves-shaped void. Even if he is not too impressive, he should be capable of doing the job for the remainder of the season.

If Barcelona are to poach a Premier League right back, there is a good chance it is Cedric.

Glen Johnson, Stoke City-Wild Card

Oddly enough, all of these players are related—Clyne replaced the 32-year-old Johnson at Liverpool, and of course Cedric then took over for Clyne at St. Mary’s. With his age and drop-off from the upper echelon of the Premier League, the link of Johnson to Barcelona is surprising, to say the least.

Johnson has only played three full matches for Stoke City this season, and is clearly on the decline. He was allowed to leave when his contract expired with Liverpool after 2014/15, mainly due to declining pace and a growing lack of defensive awareness. That is mainly why this is such a head-scratcher, because Johnson has always been seen as a threat going forward, and while he still may have a little left in the tank, his defensive troubles are something Barcelona should not be looking for.

However, Johnson has loads of experience in the position. That at least counts for more than Sergi Roberto. Whether he would be better than Vidal remains to be seen, but the Potters’ right back is a perfect short-term option. He certainly comes cheap, is a serviceable player, and can do the job for six months. Once the season ends, Barcelona can turn to the transfer market for a higher-profile right back move. Players like Clyne, Paris Saint Germain’s Serge Aurier, and more come to mind. Picturing a 32-year old Glen Johnson in the Blaugrana is extremely odd, but it just might work.