In a little under three months at Barcelona, Joao Cancelo has cemented his place as a regular in Xavi’s starting lineup and has become an important player for the Catalans.
The 29-year-old showcased his quality and value earlier this week when he scored and assisted a goal each in Barcelona’s 2-1 win over FC Porto, helping them qualify for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.
Considering that he is on a loan deal with no buy option, Barcelona are already looking at ways to prolong Cancelo’s stay at the club, either by extending his loan deal or negotiating a price with Manchester City.
Barcelona have decided to go for Cancelo
Indeed, as per Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have already made the decision to sign Cancelo on a permanent transfer in the summer of 2024.
Barcelona have a clear shortfall at right-back and Cancelo is performing to Xavi’s satisfaction. But when he is put on the left, as in last Tuesday’s game, he is also doing a great job.
Both Xavi and Deco agree that the club should try to sign Cancelo permanently, who has a contract with Manchester City until 2027. They are also counting on the will of the player, who also wants to stay.
In addition to the objective of reinforcing the midfield with a pivot, Deco is clear that his other main priority for the summer is to ensure Cancelo’s continuity.
Firstly, because he is an attacking full-back, Barça profile, competitive, and experienced, and because he also has the added bonus of being versatile, being able to play both inside and out, as well as left-back in the event that Alejandro Balde suffers a mishap or is out of form.
Barcelona do not want to pay €25 million
Before they can take the step to take Cancelo as their own player, Barça’s sporting management will have to get the board’s approval on a financial level.
Manchester City’s valuation of the Portuguese defender, according to the report, is around €25 million, a figure that Barça will try to lower when the time comes to negotiate with the Premier League champions.
Although Barça have not yet spoken City to propose the signing of the full-back, Jorge Mendes, the Portuguese defender’s agent, is aware of the club’s desire to sign him and will do all he can to make his pupil’s dream come true.
