Joao Cancelo is expected to start in the place of Benjamin Mendy (Getty Images)
According to The Telegraph, Barcelona are interested in signing Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo as a part of the deal that would see Nelson Semedo go the other way.
Cancelo, 26, came through the ranks of Benfica’s youth system and joined Valencia in the summer of 2014. He made a name for himself after featuring regularly in his last two seasons at the Mestalla before moving to Inter Milan on loan.
A year later, Juventus snapped him up and he established himself as one of the best right-backs, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists in 32 games for the Old Lady. He also played a major role in Juventus’ Serie A-winning title campaign. His impressive performances earned him a move to Manchester City, where Kyle Walker has been picked ahead of him regularly.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have not been consistent despite a change in management. Star forward Lionel Messi has done almost everything for them in the absence of Luis Suarez. Apart from the Argentine, no one has done their part, and have failed as a team.
Their defensive unit has experienced a downgrade in their performance, with Gerard Pique not at his best. Frenchman Samuel Umtiti has lost his place since he underwent surgery and has found it hard to put in a string of consistent performances.
While Jordi Alba has been the lone left-back option, the Blaugrana have two right-backs in Sergi Roberto and Nelson Semedo. However, the Spaniard has often been shifted between the midfield and right-back positions, leaving Semedo as the only option on the right side of the defence.
Thus, to add depth to the squad and increase their defensive options, Barcelona boss Quique Setien should consider bringing in reinforcements and Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo would be a suitable option.
Cancelo has developed into a modern full-back with his time at Inter Milan and Juventus but he is yet to establish himself at the back for Manchester City. Due to the presence of Kyle Walker, the Portuguese international has seen limited game time, featuring in just 24 games across all competitions, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist.
The former Valencia man has all the abilities to become a world-class player if he is given the right opportunities. And he would bring healthy competition to Sergi Roberto if he joins Barcelona. He has made 230 career appearances and his little experience would be of value to Setien squad.
A versatile player, Cancelo is at the right time in his career to take the huge step in his career. Given his qualities, he would definitely add some much-needed depth to the Catalans’ squad and can go on to represent them in the long run.
