Barça have all but ruled out signing Man City’s Joao Cancelo
The economic constraints are the main reason for not pursuing the City full-back
FC Barcelona have already got down to filling in the holes in the squad with the transfer window in full swing. Lacking a natural right-back, one of the options that seemed to be gaining ground in the last few days was Joao Cancelo, the player Xavi wants.
The Blaugrana club have looked at loaning him out, but at the moment it would be practically ruled out due to the high cost of the operation. It does not make much sense to pay such a high cost for the loan and the wages for a player who will not be owned by the Blaugrana.
The Cancelo option was already considered in January, but City were very clear and rejected Blaugrana's proposal, which was much cheaper than Bayern's. The player is back in the market this summer. Cancelo would prioritise going to Barça, but his fee is unaffordable at the moment and the loan fee is not clear either. City prioritise selling him and could have a proposal on the table.
Given these circumstances, the sporting area has communicated to the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, the difficulty to incorporate him.
Everything could change in the coming weeks, but Barça are looking at other options.
Deco is in favour of signing a young player in that position and prefers a purchase over loan. There are names on the table and a final decision will be made next week.
Cancelo was seen as a short-term solution for the current season but it remains unaffordable. We will have to see if the player forces the situation but City are very calm in this case and are clear that they will not give the player away.
Xavi and the sporting department will analyse the situation before the trip to the US tour. The coach, for now, is going to try Julián Araujo and Sergiño Dest in the position and has the wild cards of Sergi Roberto and Koundé, but the clear consensus is that a specialist of the highest level must be sought.
Deco's candidate is Iván Fresneda, a player from Valladolid, given his price and progression. Another viable option is Pablo Maffeo, from Mallorca, who has been offered and the coaching staff like him. Everything will depend on the price.
