Barcelona are closing in on the signing of Joao Cancelo, but they will need to negotiate the terms of an option to buy in what will be an initial loan deal.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that Barcelona are close to securing a deal for the 29-year-old, but there are still a few steps to iron out.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stated that there are two necessary steps that need to be taken to complete the transfer, which will see Xavi land his top target.
“Joao Cancelo is going to leave Man City 100%, Barca are working on it with Man City,” he stated.
“The conversations are ongoing, advancing very well. Two crucial stages, it is not a done deal yet but progressing well. Cancelo wants to go to Barcelona, Xavi wants Cancelo, Barca have a good relationship with Man City, so the conversation is ongoing.
“Loan deal with buy option. I’m told that this will include a buy option, they have to discuss loan fee, salary coverage and buy option.”
What Cancelo will bring to Barcelona
The full-back could prove to be an excellent addition to Xavi’s side. Whilst he can play on both sides, it seems that Xavi wants him as a right-back, who can add additional attacking support to Raphinha following the departure of Ousmane Dembele.
Cancelo typically played in a hybrid defence-midfield role, and his elite technical ability makes him perfectly suited to Barcelona.
He was described as “world-class” during his loan spell at Bayern Munich last season, and will arrive as an experienced winner, who has played in La Liga before with Valencia.
He was Xavi’s main target after Dembele left, and securing him on loan could be great business for the club. If he does well, they can keep him next season, and if he fails to deliver, they can look for a younger option once his loan ends.