Brazilian right-back Douglas to come to Barcelona

EDITOR'S NOTE: Hi Dipankar, the original source needs to be included as you have included quotes which are not seen in the article that you linked here.

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Barcelona have reached an agreement with Sao Paulo for right-back Douglas, but are yet to reach an agreement with the player, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. The Catalans have been searching for a replacement for Dani Alves, who has been suffering from indifferent form of late. And of course, trust Barcelona to turn to South American pastures to find young and untested recruits who show potential of future super-stardom.

Barcelona scouts discovered Sao Paulo right back Douglas (24) while they were following centre back Rodrigo Caio (22). [md]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) August 18, 2014

Sau Paulo club President Carlos Miguel Aidar explained the logic behind the move, saying “Barca want to sell Dani Alves and are looking for a replacement for him, who would be Douglas.”

Marca claim that Barca will pay €8m for the 24-year-old and the deal will be announced later this week, but Douglas will move to Spain only in the 2015-16 season. An outbound transfer move for Dani Alves was solicited from Barcelona, but no suitors could be found to match his €9 million annual wage. As a result, the Brazilian World Cup veteran will play out the remaining 12 months of his contract at Barcelona, and Douglas will be allowed to play first-team domestic football in Brazil. If however, the situation changes and Alves leaves, it is being predicted that Douglas’ move will be accelerated.

Douglas is comfortable playing at any defensive position on the right side, and can be used as an utility player by Luis Enrique. If he does manage to find his feet in Spanish football, the attack-heave disbalance at the club will be slightly redressed. However, this move means that Colombia World Cup star Juan Cuadrado will not be required at Nou Camp any longer, which might just allow Manchester United to try and get his services.