FC Barcelona receives massive boost in their hopes to sign star Portuguese full-back

Since his loan ended on 30th June 2024, Joao Cancelo's rumors linked with FC Barcelona on a potential deal have been going on. Despite the full-back's clear preference to continue at the Blaugrana club and Man City on the lookout to get rid of him, his potential return storyline has seen various twists in the past. However, finally, Flick's most admired wingback is close to the Catalan setup.

Even though, not long ago, reports had indicated that Joao's situation at FC Barcelona looked difficult, recent updates have restored the faith in Culers that Barca can sign him. According to recent reports, Cancelo's agent, Jorge Mendes, is advancing talks with City, considering the player's preference to continue at Barca.

FC Barcelona receives massive boost in their hopes to sign Joao Cancelo

As of now, Barca, being aware of Cancelo's choice of joining the club again, finds themselves in a confident position to sign the Portuguese full-back. Further, the report mentions that Jorge Mendes has been very active regarding the player's deal and has been trying various formulas to convince Man City.

However, as it stands, the only viable one is a loan with a non-obligatory purchase option for the Catalan club. The loan's end in June would see FC Barcelona having a chance to sign the full-back permanently for about €20M, including the possibility of paying in installments.

Analyzing from Barcelona's perspective, the addition of Joao Cancelo in the Blaugrana back four could be a significant step, not only because of his play style but also his tough mentality. Being one of the few players who have stepped up only in the jerseys of European Giants, the Portuguese full-back can be the leader of the back-four in Araujo's absence.

Nevertheless, his presence in the squad would give Flick the much-needed cushion a club needs to keep going in injury situations or suspensions. With him as the left-back, Jules Kounde could easily start as the right-back or a center-back and pair up with Pau Cubarsi or Inigo to fill in the defense.

However, while the recent reports signal affirmatively in Barca's favor, the talks are in the initial stages, with Cancelo being a Man City full-back. In Pep's say on the whole saga,

""We will see what happens. For now, he is training. He could stay or he could go out on loan. These are possibilities that are on the table. I don't know yet.""

- Pep Guardiola

Clearly, much couldn't be guaranteed now; however, it's a known fact that Cancelo's super agent, Jorge Mendes, would try his level best to negotiate a return of Cancelo to FC Barcelona.