There is no doubt that Barcelona are set to enter the market for a new right-back this coming summer.
Despite the contract extension of Sergi Roberto, the club are without a proper right-back, who can establish himself as a first-team regular in the years to come. This has accentuated the need for a new right-back, with the likes of Juan Foyth and Diogo Dalot already on the list.
According to Albert Masnou on SPORT, another option has emerged in the market for Barcelona, in the form of Joao Cancelo.
The Manchester City full-back, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, was notably linked with a move to Barça in the January transfer window. But the transfer did not materialise due to the club’s economic situation.
While the situation is not likely to improve in the coming summer, it appears club president Joan Laporta is willing to make some adjustments in order to increase Barça’s powers in the transfer market.
Cancelo, in fact, could be a more gettable option for Barcelona than Dalot and Foyth, both of who are key assets at their respective clubs.
The Portuguese international, in contrast, had a falling out at Man City prior to his loan move to Bayern Munich.
Even in Germany, Cancelo has fallen out of favour under Julian Nagelsmann recently, notably starting the Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain on the bench. Bayern bosses have indicated that the defender will be returned to Etihad at the end of the season.
Man City, in turn, are expected to sanction the exit of Cancelo as they look to recoup some of the €65 million they had spent on the player. Another loan exit could also be possible, and this is where Barcelona would enter the picture.
Barcelona would be in a good position to sign the former Valencia starlet, who is represented by Jorge Mendes. The Portuguese super-agent shares an excellent relationship with Laporta and their connection could work in their favour.
The Catalans have, in recent times, specialised in loan deals and free transfers. And Cancelo could be a genuine option in the summer, thanks to the presence of Mendes and the Portuguese right-back’s soured relationship with Pep Guardiola at Man City.
Only time will tell whether the move actually sees the light of day. For now, the former Valencia and Juventus ace is back on the agenda at Camp Nou after a failed attempt in January.
