Barcelona are nearing the signing of Joao Cancelo, with the Manchester City full-back set to move to Spain on a season-long loan deal.
Ousmane Dembele’s transfer boosted the club’s transfer budget, leading to Barca intensifying their search for a new right-back. Cancelo has been on the top of their wish list for the position all summer
Now it seems Xavi is set to finally get his hands on his priority transfer target, much to Jules Kounde and Ronald Araújo’s relief, as the natural central defenders have been pushed out wide on different occasions due to a lack of solid options at right-back.
Cancelo has been also pushing for a move away from City after falling down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola. On the surface, the transfer appears to be a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Joao Cancelo will be Barcelona player – reports
The Portugal international will wear Blaugrana colors and hopes to be in Barcelona on Thursday, says ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano. However, there remains a bit of uncertainty over the timing as he’s waiting for the green light from clubs, who themselves are waiting for La Liga’s green light concerning the Financial Fair Play regulations.
However, there’s one interesting claim regarding the supposed loan deal.
As per Adrià Albets, there’s a €25m buy option that will become mandatory in the event the Catalan giants progress to the Round of 16 of the Champions League. The defending La Liga champions should be reaching that stage, as such the purported condition seems nothing but a formality. Still, considering the past two seasons, even the most optimistic fans won’t be able to fully rule out the possibility of another disastrous European campaign.
Regardless, even at €25m Cancelo could prove to be a shrewd signing if Xavi can help him rediscover his old form. That’s easier said than done, though.