FC Barcelona have reopened talks with Manchester City for the signing of Joao Cancelo and as per the reports, a deal is about to be struck.
The MCFC manager had spoken positively about Cancelo during the pre-season which is why everyone thought Pep is not going to let him leave. However, his omission from the first matchday squad has set the tongues wagging again and now, it looks like Joao Cancelo is on his way out.
Manchester City wanted to sell him off permanently this summer but Barcelona do not have the finances to pay the fee that City have been demanding which is why Joao Cancelo will be joining the Camp Nou on a loan deal.
According to the reports, the two clubs have agreed on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy next summer and the only thing that remains now is to sort out the financial details.
Joao Cancelo is primarily a right full-back but can also play on the left-hand side so his flexibility will be a major asset for Xavi this season. However, it will be interesting to see which full-back falls down the pecking order after Cancelo’s arrival because right now, Xavi has four recognized full-backs plus Kounde can also play on the right.
Barcelona will be paying a nominal fee and a part of the player’s wages so they can afford to take this transfer risk because if things do not work out, they can send him back at the end of the season.
As far as wrapping up the signing is concerned, the deal is expected to be announced sometime next week which means the Portugal international will be available for selection when Barcelona face Cadiz next weekend.
Talking about Manchester City, Guardiola will be short of options once Joao Cancelo leaves but the manager will not care because he has the reliable Kyle Walker who will play on the right while Akanji and Nathan Ake can both play out on the left-hand side.
Everyone thought City will find it hard to sort out their back line after they sent Cancelo to Bayern Munich but they ended up winning a treble in May so the Cityzens can cope perfectly fine this season as well.
