With the right-back spot being one of the weakest in the Barcelona squad, Xavi and the club higher-ups are looking for reinforcements in this particular position. In recent months, the club has been strongly linked with Joao Cancelo for this role, but recent reports claimed that the club is moving away from this option.
The Catalans believe that paying a high amount of money in terms of players’ wages without fully owning the player is not a good idea, as Cancelo is expected to come only on loan this summer. While Manchester City wants to sell the player permanently, Barcelona’s finance only allow a loan deal, but that too is not too feasible right now.
As a result, the club is also looking at other options, including the Real Valladolid fullback Ivan Fresneda and the Mallorca right-back Pablo Maffeo.
However, the latest comments from Fabrizio Romano on The Residency app indicate that Cancelo is still an option for FC Barcelona. The usually reliable journalist has not shared any more details on the subject yet.
Despite being one of the best fullbacks in world football today, Joao Cancelo is unsettled at Manchester City. There have been reports of a lack of harmony between the City coach Pep Guardiola and the Portuguese defender, which resulted in the player playing the second half of last season on loan at Bayern Munich.
However, the Bavarian side has decided not to sign the fullback permanently, and he is back with Cityzens for now. The Manchester club is now looking for his suitors, and Barcelona remain one of the most interested sides in Cancelo.
However, the club’s finances are a handicap barring the Catalan club from making moves in the transfer market. Barcelona have to plan their transfer activity very carefully to ensure they go into the next season with maximum strength, and they prioritize signing a defensive midfielder before going in for a fullback in the current transfer window.
