Right-back is one of the positions that FC Barcelona are looking to strengthen before the end of this transfer window. This area is a visible weakness in Xavi’s squad, as no competent and natural right-back is available to the Barcelona head coach right now.
Joao Cancelo is one of the best players in this position who is available in the market and has been linked with Barcelona throughout the summer. However, it was previously reported that Barcelona will no longer try to sign him as his loan fee was too high, and the Catalans wanted to obtain a more long-term asset for such an amount.
Now, Mundo Deportivo reports that the Catalans still have not completely ruled out the signing of Cancelo, especially since Xavi keenly wants a right-back in his squad. The presence of Cancelo, or any other right-back, would allow Xavi to keep his center-backs for their natural position while also having another attacking threat down the flank.
One of the factors that can make Barcelona go in again for Cancelo is the difficulty they will face in getting Bernardo Silva. Manchester City is not open to allowing the Portuguese attacking midfielder to leave, and Barcelona can now move in to get Cancelo on loan, as City also want to offload the full-back this summer.
Cancelo spent the second half of the last season on loan at Bayern Munich, as he joined the Bavarian club in January. In fact, Xavi had already requested his incorporation in his squad at that same time, but City decided to send him to Bayern, despite the Bavarians being a direct opponent for City in the Champions League.
Xavi likes Cancelo for his experience in top European leagues, and also for his adaptability to both the flanks. However, Cancelo’s transfer is still going to be quite difficult, and Barcelona also have kept the 26-year-old Pablo Maffeo from Mallorca in their sights to be their next right-back.
