Barcelona have reportedly opened talks with Manchester City over the signing of full-back Joao Cancelo.
As the Spanish champions brace themselves for the exit of Paris Saint-Germain-bound Ousmane Dembele, they are expected to make a few moves in the transfer market. Xavi Hernandez has strengthened his squad with some new arrivals but is now eyeing a new right-back ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Joao Cancelo has agreed personal terms with Barcelona ahead of a potential move to Camp Nou. Xavi Hernandez wants the player as a priority target since January, with talks now ongoing between the two clubs over the structure of the deal.
Cancelo, 29, has figured for Manchester City in pre-season, but is not expected to have a long-term future at the Etihad Stadium after being farmed out on loan to Bayern Munich by coach Pep Guardiola in the winter window. He made 15 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern, registering a goal and four assists, but Thomas Tuchel wasn’t entirely convinced with the Portugal international’s performances and didn’t want to sign him permanently from City.
Joao Cancelo to Barcelona—Right option for Xavi Hernandez?
The right-back position was one of the glaring weaknesses in the squad going into the summer, with Xavi lacking the services of a recognised option. The club have recently sanctioned the loan of Julian Araujo while Sergino Dest doesn’t appear to be in Xavi’s plans moving forward. Sergi Roberto is not a reliable option at right-back either, whereas Jules Kounde looks more comfortable operating at central defence rather than as a makeshift full-back.
Thus, the Catalan club’s interest in signing Joao Cancelo makes total sense. They are hoping to bring in the 29-year-old, using some of the cash generated from Ousmane Dembele’s imminent departure to Paris Saint-Germain, to solve their long-term right-back conundrum.
Cancelo has been among the best full-backs in the continent in recent years. The Portuguese has been brilliant for City, winning three Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola. Also, having won league titles in Germany, Italy and Portugal, the 29-year-old would bring invaluable experience and a winning mentality to the Barcelona squad.
The ex-Juventus star would immediately walk into Xavi’s starting XI and make the right-back spot his own. While he is also extremely comfortable operating as an inverted left-back, Cancelo would provide a huge boost to Barcelona’s full-back options for the upcoming season. Having been frozen out of City after falling out with Guardiola last season, a move to Barcelona would be perfect for the 29-year-old.
Cancelo is certainly one of the best in his position in Europe and he would be a sensational addition to Barcelona. Thus, Xavi and Co. must look to wrap up the 29-year-old’s signing as quickly as possible.
