Four concerns for Barcelona in ‘operation Joao Cancelo’ – report

Barcelona are planning some major moves in the last two weeks of the summer transfer window amid growing frustration within the fanbase regarding the lack of signings.

As reported earlier, the Catalans have set their sights on Rafael Leao as an option to reinforce the left wing after missing out on Nico Williams.

In addition, Barcelona also hope to sign a right-back and remain locked on Leao’s compatriot Joao Cancelo, who spent the last season on loan at the club from Manchester City, as their priority target.

Now, SPORT reports that Barcelona are internally debating whether or not to go after the 30-year-old right-back with full conviction as there are some doubts and obstacles within the club about re-signing him.

High salary

For starters, Barcelona are not in a position to afford Joao Cancelo’s full salary, which is believed to be around €14 million per year.

As has already been made clear, the Catalans only intend to sign the full-back on loan without paying any fee. While Man City are against such a deal, they may be forced to give in due to the player’s stance of wanting to join only Barça.

In that case, though, the Premier League champions do not intend to pay a single penny of Cancelo’s salary, meaning Barça would have to bear it fully. And as such, they want the right-back to accept a salary reduction – something he is unwilling to do this time out.

Doubts about performances

Apart from the salary, Barcelona are understood to have some doubts about Joao Cancelo’s performances, especially when it comes to the big occasions.

Although those in the club offices appreciate the versatility and experience he brings to the table, there are question marks over his performances when it matters the most – like the PSG game in the UEFA Champions League last season.

The Portuguese ace’s dismal display in the second leg of the quarterfinal, which contributed heavily to Barça’s exit, did not go unnoticed at the club offices.

Attitude issues

Another concern for Barcelona with regard to Cancelo is said to be his attitude. The Portuguese ace is said to have not always made the best impression in the dressing room.

His attitude at times when he was not a starter was not well regarded by the heavyweights of the team, and his relationship with the young players was not the most appropriate – something that led to his ouster from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

No Joao Felix

Another aspect that does not play in Cancelo’s favour is the departure of his main supporter in the dressing room, Joao Felix.

The Portuguese forward, who had been one of the few figures with whom Cancelo shared a close relationship, will play next season at Chelsea, leaving the full-back without a key supporter within the group if he were to return to Barcelona.

Barcelona are discussing all these factors before deciding to go all-in on Cancelo or not. After all, they have other priorities at the moment and the right-back position seems fairly sorted.

As far as the current squad is concerned, especially in the right-back position, Barça coach Hansi Flick has full confidence in Jules Kounde, who has established himself as a key player.

So it remains to be seen whether the Portuguese will agree to return without a starting role now that Alejandro Balde has also recovered from injury and is the first choice at left-back.