Who is Vanderson? Monaco’s brilliant full-back linked with Barcelona and Man Utd

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 27 Apr 2023 09:55 BST
  • 4 min read
Vanderson, Monaco, 2022/23
© ProShots

The attention of both Barcelona and Manchester United have been caught by Monaco right-back Vanderson.

Barca and Man Utd are both in the hunt for reinforcements down their right flank, and the 21-year-old Brazilian would seem to tick many boxes for both after arriving in Monaco in January 2022 from Gremio on a deal worth around €11m.

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Vanderson has seen his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) leap to nearly €27m since moving to the Ligue 1 side, and that is despite a 2022/23 campaign that has been hampered by injury issues.

What position does Vanderson play in?

Vanderson is known as a right-back but has regularly played for Monaco on the right wing. Although he plays in the style of a wing-back, he is rarely deployed in that position as Monaco play with four defenders.

This capability to play in a more offensive style would suit an attack-minded side like Barcelona or Manchester United.

How good is Vanderson?

Vanderson has rapidly established himself as one of the best right-sided players in Ligue 1, starting life in France with surprising ease considering his age and lack of experience abroad.

After his debut on January 9, 2022, he would quickly establish himself as a regular for Monaco and would start 18 times in their remaining 26 matches of the season. During this period, he scored two goals and created three more.

Such form has won the acclaim of sporting director Paul Mitchell.

“He showed his very high quality and potential from the start. He is still young and it is important that he continues to develop, but he has a good mindset, he is focused on his work and shows maturity. We look forward to spending the next few years together and helping him grow into the player we all believe he can be,” Mitchell explained.

The 2022/23 campaign has proven to be a little more disjointed for the attack-minded player, who appeared to be hitting his best form in January before sustaining a knee injury that sidelined him for six weeks. Nevertheless, his talent has been apparent.

What clubs are interested in Vanderson?

Barcelona seemed to be leading the way for Vanderson in 2022 but their financial problems mean that Manchester United are now favourites to land the player.

He has the attributes that Erik ten Hag loves in a player, such as industry, aggressiveness and pressing ability.

With Monaco set to miss out on the top three in France, and therefore the Champions League, he could be up for sale.

When does Vanderson contract expire?

Vanderson signed a contract extension with Monaco on 17 August, 2022. He will remain with the club until 2027.

How old is Vanderson?

Vanderson was born on 21 June, 2001. He is 21 years old.

What is Vanderson’s height?

Vanderson is 180cm or around 5ft 11in.

What is Vanderson’s Instagram?

Vanderson’s Instagram has 99.1k followers as of April 2023.

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