Key factors in Barcelona's pursuit of Valencia's Joao Cancelo
Barcelona have designed the operation, with the plan being that Aleix Vidal leaves in January and then Cancelo comes in
Joao Cancelo is back on the Barcelona radar as they search for a full-back in the January window. According to Cope Valencia, the player's agent Jorge Mendes was in Barcelona to analyse the operation. There are various factors which could have an effect on if it comes off and why Barcelona want to go through with it.
First handicap
The price of the transfer would be around 20 million euros. Barcelona want to raise money by selling Aleix Vidal first. They have told his people to look for a new club for him. The goal is to sell him and free up both money and a place for Cancelo.
The market
There are not of other solutions on the market in Europe. Barcelona have looked at South America too but they do not want to gamble. If they sign they want a player who is ready to start. Mendes has moved well between Valencia and Barcelona this summer and can piece together the operation.
The price
Cancelo is the most in-form player in Valencia. They spent 15 million on him from Benfica and would want 20m now. Barcelona made clear this summer they do not want to spend huge amounts of money on one player, but they do see Cancelo as a good reinforcement.
Aleix's exit
No offers have currently arrived for Vidal, whom Barcelona would like 13 million for after paying 17 for him. Cancelo has made it known he'd like to play for the club and has left the matter in Barcelona's hands. He has taken a jump forward this season, as shown by his performance in the 3-2 defeat by Barcelona.
Barca style
Cesare Prandelli has used Cancelo as a right winger, where he is doing well, because of some defensive weaknesses. But he is incisive going forward and at 22, would fit nicely into Barcelona's game.
