Ronald Araujo was Barcelona’s best centre-back last season, yet was forced to play at right-back last night in the team’s La Liga opener against Getafe. Such is the dire lack of resources at right-back for Xavi Hernandez.
The manager has been calling out for a new signing all summer, and Fabrizio Romano brings promising news on that front.
According to reports from the Italian journalist, the Blaugranas are set to offer a formal bid to Manchester City for Joao Cancelo.
The proposal is expected to involve a loan move for the Portuguese star with a purchase clause attached. The coming days will be crucial in reaching an agreement with the Premier League side.
Barcelona have already agreed on personal terms with Cancelo and are now one step away from his incorporation. They will use a part of the money received from Ousmane Dembele’s sale to fund his signing.
The deal returns from the dead
One week ago, Barcelona appeared to be distancing rapidly from Joao Cancelo. Indeed, the veteran is Xavi’s first-choice signing, but Manchester City’s stubborn stance on his sale made it unfeasible for the Catalans.
Last week, reports revealed that Pep Guardiola’s side would not entertain a departure on loan and would only settle for a permanent transfer. Only Jorge Mendes’ intervention turned the tables.
Cancelo’s agent confident of completing the deal
Mendes, the defender’s agent, reportedly assured Barcelona of the player’s transfer last week. He is confident that the latest manoeuvre will work out.
Cancelo is not part of Pep Guardiola’s plans at City and his rift with the management is said to be unbridgeable. He thus prefers a move to Barcelona where he will be a primary protagonist in a convincing project.
In fact, the 29-year-old will take a significant pay cut to make it possible. Facilitating Cancelo’s move is thus in the best interest of Mendes’ client, and his personal intervention is not surprising.
