João Cancelo could find himself playing for a third club in the space of six months, with Barcelona the latest club willing to take a bet on the versatile full-back.
The Portugal international left Manchester City on deadline day of the January transfer window after losing his starting spot to academy talent Rico Lewis. Bayern Munich secured his signature on a loan deal with an option to buy for £61m at the end of the season.
At the time Bayern’s signing of Cancelo mid-season was viewed as a steal by many. Just over a month down the line, Cancelo finds himself in a frustrating situation under Julian Nagelsmann, who has preferred Josip Stanišić, 22, over the marquee arrival in recent games. The Portuguese has only managed two Bundesliga starts and was also left on the bench in Bayern’s 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the Champions League.
With both City and Bayern not entirely convinced by his ability, all things point toward Cancelo moving to a third club in the summer transfer window. As per Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona have placed him on their shortlist.
Barcelona willing to make a summer move for Bayern Munich outcast
Barca president Joan Laporta recently admitted that they will look to sign a new right-back in the summer.
"“We need to sign a right-back and then a centre-back depending on market opportunities. We’d do what we can,” Laporta said.Source: The Athletic"
Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot and Villarreal star Juan Foyth are both considered to have the technical qualities to play for Xavi’s side. But it’s not going to be easy to sign either of the two due to their respective contracts.
Cancelo has emerged as an attainable and attractive option for Barcelona. Laporta is willing to make an effort to sign the player, and it’s understood that his close relationship with Jorge Mendes, the player’s agent, could make negotiations easier.