Barcelona have gone through a summer of change under new manager Luis Enrique. Following a disappointing season where they failed to win any major honours, the Catalan side have rebuilt their squad as they look to be more competitive domestically and in Europe.
One area that was targeted as a priority by the new management was in defence. The back line could be about to be boosted further as The Daily Mail reports that the club are close to finalising a deal for Douglas Pereira.
A £3 million deal has already been agreed between Barcelona and Sao Paulo, with the possibility of a further £1.2 million in add-ons depending on how many games the defender plays. The deal though has yet to get official confirmation but it is likely that the player will sign a five year deal with the Catalan club.
The right back, who can also play as a winger, joined Sao Paulo in 2012 from Golas and has since become a hugely important player, making over 120 appearances in all competitions as well as helping them to win the Copa Sudamericana in 2012.
While they have already spent big on players such as Luis Suarez, their transfer has been somewhat boosted by the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez. This has given the Spanish club the necessary funds to bring in much needed players.
It’s also important the Barcelona bring in players during this summer as they have been banned from making any signings for the next two transfer windows. The signing of Pereira should not cause too many financial problems while he would be a long-term investment in a position that Barcelona may need a replacement for in the near future, with Dani Alves now being 31-years-old.
