Barcelona might have the best attacking trio of world football, they are yet to find out a steady solution for their back-line. Samuel Umtiti seems to be a decent investment, however, they are in search of a fullback and Joao Cancelo is the preferred choice of the Catalans.
Sergi Roberto has become regular in the right fullback role since Dani Alves’ departure after eight successful campaigns. Roberto, primarily a central midfielder, is capable of playing in many positions and has previously been utilised in the defensive midfield role and also on the right wing.
Luis Enrique, the Barcelona boss, brought in Aleix Vidal from Sevilla in summer 2015 to cover Alves. But the right back (who can also operate in right wing) struggled to get game-time and eventually failed to secure a place in the starting lineup. Also, his future with the Catalans is now hanging by a thread following a season-ending ankle injury. Thus, Barcelona are expected to dive into the summer transfer market and Joao Cancelo has reportedly been their primary transfer target.
The Portuguese international has been extensively scouted by Barcelona for past two years since he became regular with Spanish outfit Valencia CF. The former Benfica academy graduate also appeared in every youth rank for Portugal since U16s and has featured four times for the senior side following his debut on 1st September 2016 in a friendly win over Gibraltar.
Cancelo is valued around €30 million by Valencia and according to previous reports, the Catalans had reportedly agreed to meet his asking price. His strength is his defensive contribution and also likes to dribble using the right-hand flank. Cancelo has good interception skills and tackling ability. He is a good crosser of the ball and loves to find his teammates with layoffs and through balls. At the age of 22, Cancelo is one of the most matured right fullbacks of Europe and there is a valid reason why the football giants like Barcelona hold strong interest to recruit him.
Moreover, Valencia are going through a rough patch and despite being an admirable La Liga as well as European force a few years back, they are even struggling to grab a mid-table finish in recent years. A player of Cancelo’s potential deserves to play among the elites of Europe and thus, a move to Barcelona makes sense. His addition will not only increase Barcelona’s defensive depth but also offer Sergi Roberto to play in his usual central midfield role.
However, there are still 10 games left in this season and Valencia are currently placed 14th in the league table with 30 points. Cancelo must focus on the remainder of the campaign and keep on impressing with his natural game if he does not want to jeopardise a dream switch to the Blaugrana.
