The 27-year-old Brazilian has already been linked with the Catalan club, and his contract situation has now become more significant after Fiorentina sporting director Fabio Paratici acknowledged that the defender could seek a new challenge at the end of the season.
“It's very clear, and it's always been. At the end of the season, he'll have a legitimate ambition to find another club,” Paratici said.
The Fiorentina executive also explained that the Italian club had been prepared to consider offers during the summer, but no suitable proposal arrived.
“We were available if a valuable offer had arrived, but we didn't receive one, and it has created some issues with his approach to the new season,” he added.
“Now he trains really well; he's a team member and will be considered as such until he's here.”
Dodô’s contract expires in June 2027, meaning Fiorentina face a choice between negotiating a sale during the January transfer window and risking his departure for nothing at the end of the campaign if he does not renew.
For Barcelona, that possibility could make the Brazilian an attractive market opportunity. The club have been assessing their options at right-back, where Jules Koundé and Eric García have both been used, despite being more naturally suited to central defence.
Dodô is an attack-minded full-back whose ability to push forward could offer another option on the right. His experience in European football and familiarity with the demands of Serie A would also make him a different proposition from a younger signing who might need time to adapt.
The defender began his professional career at Coritiba before spells with Shakhtar Donetsk and Vitória de Guimarães. He joined Fiorentina in 2022 and has since established himself in Italian football, contributing three goals and 13 assists in 166 official appearances for the club, according to the figures reported in Spain.
However, Barcelona are not alone in monitoring his situation. Juventus and AC Milan have also been linked with the Brazilian, potentially setting up competition for his signature if he becomes available as a free agent.
Sport previously reported Barcelona’s interest, while Italian coverage has also identified the Catalans among the clubs keeping an eye on the right-back’s contractual position.
The prospect of signing Dodô without a transfer fee could appeal to Barcelona as they weigh up how to strengthen the squad while managing their spending. A free transfer would still involve wages, signing-on costs and competition from rival clubs, but it could avoid a substantial payment to Fiorentina.
Much will depend on whether the defender remains determined to leave and whether Fiorentina receive an acceptable offer in January. For now, Paratici’s comments have made the situation clearer, but there is no confirmation that Barcelona have made a formal approach.
If Dodô reaches the end of his contract without signing an extension, Barcelona could have an opportunity to recruit an experienced right-back for the 2027-28 season. Juventus and AC Milan’s reported interest, however, means the club may need to move decisively if they decide to pursue him.