Report: Barcelona close in on João Cancelo deal

Even before the pre-season tour, Barcelona manager Xavi highlighted the right-back position as an area of the team that needs an upgrade. Through the pre-season, we’ve seen why. Sergino Dest has struggled throughout and Ronal Araujo is a centre-back by nature. Xavi highlighted João Cancelo as the ideal candidate based on his flexibility to play either left or right-back, and his experience.

According to sports journalist Gianluigi Longari, a deal has been agreed, the move is close, but it’s not yet complete.

Details of any potential deal are still very vague. Portuguese paper Record (via Mundo Deportivo) believes the deal is close, with the negotiations at an advanced stage. But it does not detail whether the move will be a permanent transfer or a loan with an obligation to buy.

Late on Wednesday, we heard that any loan deal for Cancelo would cost €24 million, with that fee being made up of €10 to Manchester City for the loan deal, and €14 million to Cancelo for his wages. Although, there was a report that Cancelo would be willing to lower his salary to facilitate the move.

Cancelo would be the perfect signing for Barcelona

Cancelo has fallen out of favour with Pep Guardiola at City and spent the second part of last season on loan at Bayern Munich. And although the German club decided against signing him permanently, that’s believed to be based on having alternative options. Bayern manager Tuchel confirmed it wasn’t for footballing reasons.

Barcelona reportedly made an offer to Valladolid earlier this week for 18-year-old RB Ivan Fresneda, and it’s unlikely that Barca would register both players in this window. Especially if as rumoured, Xavi is also looking to strengthen his midfield area.

Cancelo would be a fine signing for Barca, and for me, his arrival would signal the completion of the starting XI ahead of the new season. He offers both the defensive capability and the attacking intent that Xavi looks for in a right-back.