Barça and Manchester City considering a Semedo-Cancelo swap deal

Barça and Manchester City considering a Semedo-Cancelo swap deal

Semedo y Cancelo podrían intercambiar equipo
Semedo y Cancelo podrían intercambiar equipo | sport

Both teams are looking to offload their right backs when the transfer window opens but Barça would want some cash too

The shutting down of football across the world is going to force teams to look at alternative options when it comes to reinforcing their squads. With finances likely to be limited, swap deals are being sounded out more often than usual. One of the deals which has gained some traction in recent weeks is Nelson Semedo leaving FC Barcelona to link up with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The person moving in the opposite direction would be Joao Cancelo, who hasn't settled as well as expected in England. Jorge Mendes is the one who put forward the idea to the clubs.

According to the 'Telegraph', both teams have been speaking to Mendes - who represents Semedo and Cancelo - in the hope of striking a deal which works for both parties. Barça, who haven't admitted or denied the story, are no stranger to being linked with transfers that include part-exchange players to reduce the overall cost of a deal. It was an avenue explored with the failed move for Neymar in the summer and is now being suggested again in the club's attempts to sign Lautaro Martinez. 

Barça actually closed the door on letting Semedo leave last summer despite receiving €40m+ offers from Atletico Madrid and Manchester City. Ernesto Valverde made it clear Semedo would be first choice, ahead of Sergi Roberto, but his irregular form has made the hierarchy reconsider their position.

Semedo only has two years left on his deal and Barça are open to talks over a new contract. However, if he decides he doesn't want to stay then he will be immediately put up for sale. It's hard to see big money deals being offered once the transfer window reopens and this is where potential swap deals gain merit. 

Joao Cancelo isn't a new name on the agenda at Barça. He was one of the options they looked at before deciding to sign Semedo. What Cancelo lacks physically he more than makes up for technically. Not to mention he performed extremely well in his final season at Valencia. Semedo is seen as someone better suited to the Premier League and City are interested in him.

Barça believe Semedo is a more established player than Cancelo right now and would ask for some cash to be thrown in to sweeten the deal. It remains to be seen whether, via the help of Mendes, an agreement can be reached.

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