Barcelona: Five early January transfer targets for the Catalans

5. Rodrigo Caio

Club: Flamengo

Position: Defender

Rodrigo Caio has been the most outstanding centre-back in Brazil’s top flight for several seasons now playing exceptional and eye-catching football. The Brazilian international is a stalwart defensive player with astute tackling and clever positional play which stifles an abundance of opposition attacks.

Caio has been purported with a move to Europe ever since his break-out season as a 17-year-old and has played almost the entirety of the last decade in Brazil. However according to reports by Marca the defender could at last make the bold move to Europe with Barcelona set to be closely watching his progress and performances on the pitch for his current side Flamengo.

Caio is definitely of the Barcelona ilk, he is a ball playing centre-back with great technique and control. He has good pace too and has proven himself already at senior international level for Brazil.

He can also go forward and join attacks much like Barcelona’s current centre back Pique. Caio has versatility in his locker too. He can play a bit further forward as a CDM as well as at right back and has performed both roles with precision and skill in the past.

With Umtiti’s constant injury concerns and the Frenchman’s inability to settle with the Catalans Caio could be the ideal addition to strengthen Barcelona’s defensive options and establish solidity once and for all for the Catalans.

An Olympic gold medalist for Brazil and at 26 years of age, Caio’s time to move to Europe is certainly beckoning. Perhaps January and Barcelona could be his big moment at last.