In a recent report, Sport claimed that Barcelona are working on another loan deal for Manchester City ace Joao Cancelo this summer. It has been stated that the Catalan club are eager to re-sign the Portugal international on loan once again but are facing competition from Saudi Arabian duo Al-Ahli and Al-Ettifaq in pursuit of him.
Cancelo’s Impressive Loan Spell In Spanish Football
Cancelo had a decent loan spell at the Nou Camp in the previous campaign as he was responsible for putting in a series of impressive displays for Barca in La Liga. The Portuguese sensation made 42 appearances for the Spanish outfit last season, netting four goals and picking up five assists in the process across various competitions.
The 30-year-old has been a positive influence at both ends of the field based on his average of 2.0 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 1.3 clearances, 1.0 shots, 1.1 key passes and 1.9 dribbles per game in La Liga. He was even been accurate with his ball distribution after completing 84.6% of his attempted passes in the Spanish top flight (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Man City will expire in the summer of 2027 which could make it difficult for Barcelona to sign him permanently later this year.
Should Barcelona Boss Hansi Flick Bring Cancelo On Board?
Cancelo is a tough-tackling full-back who can make a few important interceptions for his team inside his half. He usually clears the danger when needed but can be caught out of position at times on the defensive end of the field.
The Portugal international can strike the ball well from long range and has got the vision to create a few decent chances for others around him in the opponent’s half. He is a good dribbler with the ball as well.
Cancelo impressed at times during his loan spell at the Nou Camp last season and won’t take much time to settle into life at the Catalan club. Thus, Hansi Flick should focus on bringing him on board later this summer.
Barcelona could struggle to fund a permanent move for Cancelo this off-season, so Flick would be wise to arrange another loan move for the Portuguese sensation as he could help the Catalan club challenge for some major honours in Spanish football.
