In a recent interview (via Record), Super agent Jorge Mendes offered an update on the future of on-loan Barcelona full-back Joao Cancelo. Mendes said,
“Barcelona want to keep both Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo beyond this season, they want to make the deals permanent”.
Cancelo’s Impressive Loan Spell At The Nou Camp
Cancelo is having a decent season at the Catalan club as he has put in a series of impressive displays for them on the right of Xavi’s defence. The Portugal international has scored three goals and grabbed two assists in 22 matches for Barca during this campaign on all fronts.
The 29-year-old has been a reliable performer at both ends of the field based on his average of 2.6 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 1.3 clearances, 0.9 shots, 1.3 key passes and 2.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has even been accurate with his ball distribution after completing 84.5% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Cancelo’s current deal at his parent club Manchester City will expire in the summer of 2027 which would make it difficult for Barca to sign him permanently when his loan spell at the Nou Camp expires at the end of this campaign.
Barcelona Want To Sign Cancelo Permanently: Good Move For Everyone Involved?
Cancelo is a tough-tackling defender who can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t hesitate to clear the danger when the opposition are on the offensive and is a decent dribbler with the ball as well. The Portuguese talent can shoot the ball with power and accuracy from long range. He has got the eye to play a few decisive passes from the wide areas.
Cancelo is primarily a right-back but can also function as a left-back if needed. He is currently one of the first names in Barcelona boss Xavi’s teamsheet due to his consistency at both ends of the pitch.
At 29, Cancelo has still got plenty of football left in him, so Barca would be wise to go all out to sign him permanently next summer. It will be a good move for both the player and the Catalan club as they look to bring more success back to the Nou Camp in the coming seasons.
