Barcelona is reportedly close to securing the loan signing of João Cancelo from Manchester City, as they look to bolster their defensive options. The Spanish club is said to have fended off competition from Bayern Munich for the right-back’s signature.
Cancelo, who joined Manchester City from Juventus in 2019, has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under manager Pep Guardiola. With limited playing time, the Portuguese international is now seeking a move away from the Premier League champions in search of more opportunities.
Barcelona, on the other hand, are in need of defensive reinforcements following the departure of Nelson Semedo to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Catalan giants have identified Cancelo as a potential solution to their right-back dilemma and are keen to secure his services.
The 26-year-old Cancelo is known for his attacking prowess and ability to contribute to the team’s offensive play. His technical skills and versatility make him an attractive option for Barcelona, who prioritize full-backs that can provide width and support in the attacking third.
While negotiations between the two clubs are still ongoing, it is understood that Barcelona is confident of finalizing the deal for Cancelo. The loan move would see the player join Barcelona for the remainder of the current season, with an option to make the transfer permanent in the future.
If the deal goes through, Cancelo will reunite with Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman, who previously coached him during their time together at Valencia. Koeman is believed to be a fan of the player’s abilities and sees him as a valuable addition to the squad.
Barcelona’s pursuit of Cancelo comes as they continue to rebuild their squad following a disappointing campaign last season. The club has already made several notable signings, including Miralem Pjanic, Francisco Trincao, and Sergino Dest, as they aim to reclaim their dominance in Spanish and European football.
Should the transfer be completed, Cancelo would join a Barcelona team that boasts an array of attacking talent, including Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, and Ansu Fati. His arrival would provide a significant boost to the team’s defensive capabilities, allowing them to compete at the highest level both domestically and in European competitions.
As negotiations progress, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly awaiting updates on the potential signing of João Cancelo by Barcelona. The move could prove to be a crucial one for both the player and the club as they seek to achieve their respective goals in the remainder of the season.