FC Barcelona are in desperate need of a right-back, and the departure of Ousmane Dembele may well free up the funds needed to find one for this season.
Xavi Hernandez confirmed on Tuesday that the right-back position is the club’s priority for the rest of the transfer window, and after reports that Barcelona were in talks for Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo, Fabrizio Romano now claims that the club and the player have come to an agreement.
The Portuguese defender has been linked with FC Barcelona since January when it became clear that City no longer wanted him. Previously, the media Record had reported that Cancelo was close to joining Barcelona.
The previously established terms were a €10m loan for Barcelona, with an option to buy €40m, plus Cancelo’s full salary. It remains to be seen whether FC Barcelona have managed to negotiate these numbers down.
FC Barcelona used Jules Koundé at right-back last season, and Cancelo would certainly offer him a more natural option in that position. The Catalans have been linked with Real Valladolid youngster Ivan Fresneda but Cancelo is said to be an immediate response, rather than a long-term potential.
