In a recent report, Sport stated that Barcelona have intensified their efforts to land Manchester City ace Joao Cancelo. It has been claimed that the Catalan club have stepped up their attempts to sign the Portuguese full-back.
Cancelo’s Impressive Loan Spell At Barcelona Last Season
Cancelo had a solid loan spell at the Nou Camp in the previous campaign when he managed to put in a series of impressive displays for them in La Liga. The Portugal international made 42 appearances for Barcelona last season, scoring five goals and picking up five assists across all fronts.
The 30-year-old was a decent performer at both ends of the pitch 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 the Premier League. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from inside his half, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 84.6% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Etihad Stadium will run out in the summer of 2027 which could make it difficult for Barca to sign him on the cheap in this transfer window. Still, Hansi Flick would be wise to arrange another loan move for him this summer.
Should Barcelona Boss Hansi Flick Bring Cancelo Back To The Nou Camp This Summer?
Cancelo loves a tackle and can read the danger well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing his lines when needed and can even set up a few promising chances for his teammates up top.
The Portugal international can strike the ball with venom from long range and is a good dribbler as well. However, he can sometimes be caught out of position on the defensive end of the field.
Still, there is no denying that Cancelo would enhance the quality of Flick’s first XI. He is good enough to help the Catalan club challenge for some major honours next season. Therefore, Barca would be wise to bring him back to the Nou Camp this summer.
At 30, Cancelo has still got some good years left in him to play at his feet. Hence, it makes sense for the Catalan club to re-sign him this off-season.
