FC Barcelona continue to separate their crucial players from those that are surplus to requirements. While certain stars are clearly underperforming this season, there are also those without whom this Barcelona team would utterly fail. The club hopes to keep their ties strong to such players, given their importance.
However, not all such stars are already permanent players for Barcelona. While most of the side is contracted to the club for several years, there are also those currently in Barça who do not have much time left. As such, figuring out their future is of vital necessity.
One player whose future appears to be more or less decided is Joao Cancelo. On loan from Manchester City, the Portuguese fullback has been a true revelation for Barcelona. His offensive creativity and his devotion to the club have both been great assets for Xavi this season.
As such, the coach and the club hope to retain the player beyond this season. According to SPORT, however, Manchester City do not intend to make it an easy negotiation. In fact, they will only listen to transfer fees worth €30 million or above as an offer.
For Barcelona, any such amount is a risky investment given their vulnerable financial position. However, as per the report, the club believes that investing that amount in Cancelo would be worth the sacrifice. In fact, they even label his presence as a solution to their long-term ‘curse’ of the right-back position.
His quality is also exemplified by his versatility. While he naturally gives Barcelona an extra edge as a right-back, he is also capable of playing other positions. At times, he has even been deployed as a right-winger and a left-back this season.
Moreover, it seems that Xavi truly trusts him, with Cancelo having the most minutes in the team this season behind only Ilkay Gundogan.
With this amount of trust, quality, and versatility, Cancelo’s stay is considered a must within Barcelona. While there is no option to extend the loan it seems, Barça are rather willing to negotiate his permanent stay.
