Barcelona identify young alternative in case transfer move for Man City full-back fails

One of the priorities for Barcelona for the summer transfer window is to permanently sign Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.

The 29-year-old arrived last summer on a season-long loan deal with no permanent purchase option. He has grown into a crucial member of the team this season, making vital contributions, be it at right-back or left-back.

Cancelo is valued highly by Barcelona and club higher-ups like Joan Laporta and Deco have already confirmed that efforts will be made to sign him permanently, along with Joao Felix.

However, the financial situation at the Catalan club would make things difficult as Manchester City will not offer any discounts.

Furthermore, earlier this week, reports in Spain suggested that the Barça board might prioritise the signing of Joao Felix or Cancelo.

Alternative identified

In case the permanent transfer of Joao Cancelo does not materialise for one reason or the other, Barcelona have already identified a low-cost alternative for the right-back.

Indeed, Fichajes reports that Barça have set their sights on Sporting CP’s teenage defender Ivan Fresneda as an option.

Fresneda has not played much for Sporting. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

The 19-year-old had been on the Blaugrana’s radar last summer as well after he impressed in his debut La Liga campaign with Real Valladolid.

However, Deco & co. opted to go for more experience, leading to Cancelo’s arrival while Fresneda ended up moving to Portugal with Sporting CP.

Since joining Ruben Amorim’s side, the teenage right-back has not played much at all, featuring in just six senior games across all competitions, although he did spend time out on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury.

As such, Fresneda’s option remains on the table at Can Barça as a young and low-cost alternative if their attempts to land Cancelo permanently do not bear fruit.