FC Barcelona seem to be nearing a solution to their right-back problem at last. Everything indicates that the club would bring Joao Cancelo from Manchester City this summer, who is a competent enough right-back to play according to Xavi’s requirements.
The right-back position had been a clear weakness in the squad after the strengthening of other positions over the summer. The club had been linked with several right-backs over the last few months, but the Manchester City fullback will now be the one to take this spot at Barcelona.
Cancelo’s arrival might take some time
Multiple outlets have commented that Barcelona and Manchester City are close to an agreement for Joao Cancelo, and it was believed that the fullback could be a Barcelona player before this week ends.
However, SPORT reports that it would still be some days before Cancelo can actually become a Barcelona player. They report that there are voices in the club that believe that it would be impossible to get Cancelo this week, but even the pessimistic ones are aware that the deal will go through in the upcoming week.
The two clubs have agreed on the main points, and now only the details are to be finalized. However, these details are proving to be difficult to be a point of consensus. Barcelona are currently on track to take over all the player’s contract, but they still hope Manchester City can agree to pay some part of it.
Meanwhile, it is agreed that Barcelona will pay €25 million for the player for a full purchase, even though Manchester City wanted a higher amount. This permanent purchase would become obligatory if Barcelona are able to progress from the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona to receive funds from Libero group this week
The operation for Cancelo is expected to be completed in the next week as this is the time when Blaugranes will get the payment from the German Libero Fund. This money is necessary for Barcelona to register their players, including Cancelo once he is purchased.