Joao Cancelo is one of the footballers who arrived at FC Barcelona in the last summer transfer window and has already become an essential piece for Xavi.
The Catalans do not have many natural options to play at the right-back position, and Cancelo’s performances ever since arriving at Barcelona make him a highly valuable asset for the club.
The Portuguese’s versatility is another attribute that endears him to Barcelona, especially after his display in the last Champions League match where he scored a goal and gave an assist to ensure the Blaugranes advance to the Round of 16 after a break of two years.
With these performances, signing Cancelo on a permanent basis has now become a priority at FC Barcelona, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo. The fullback has a contract till 2027 with Manchester City, but the player himself is open to moving to Barcelona on a long-term basis.
Barcelona have the full desire to sign Cancelo, but there have been no contacts yet undertaken with Manchester City.
There are several months still remaining in which the Catalans will further assess his performance, but his being an offensive fullback which matches Barcelona’s style and his versatility already makes him a favorite of the club.
However, Barcelona will have significant work to do before they can go in for Cancelo. Manchester City value him at around €25 million, a sum that Barcelona will try to get lowered in negotiations, but will still have to get approval from the board to spend on Cancelo.
For now, there have been no talks with Manchester City, but the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes knows about Barcelona’s plans and his client’s wishes.
The agent is willing to do everything in his power to ensure such a move and there has also been an improvement in the relations between Barcelona and Manchester City lately.