Barcelona transfer news: Spanish giants linked with move for Manchester City star Joao Cancelo
Barcelona are reportedly looking to add a natural right-back within their squad this summer following the poor performance of Jules Kounde.
Joao Cancelo.<p>With the summer transfer window edging ever closer, Barcelona are on the lookout for a specialist right-back. Joao Cancelo certainly features prominently on their shortlist.</p>
<p>According to <em>AS</a>, the Spanish giants will be primarily setting their sights on a right-back as they look to beef up their squad ahead of the new season. </p>
<p>Although Barcelona signed French star Kounde last summer, the defender is naturally a centre-back.</p>
Despite this, he has often been deployed in right-back alongside veteran, Sergi Roberto.
<p>While Kounde has performed well in general, it was evident that he isn't a natural in that position during Barca's most recent game against Rayo Vallecano.</p>
<p>Since the departure of Dani Alves, the main problem area within Barcelona's squad has been the right side of their defence.</p>
<p>Players such as Hector Bellerin and Sergino Dest were previously signed to try fill the void, but none have come close.</p>
<p>This is where Cancelo comes in. The Portuguese international was seemingly out of favour with Pep Guardiola before he departed for Bayern on loan in January.</p>
Since joining the Cityzens, the right-back has been one of the standout players amongst the squad.
He fit into Guardiola's system perfectly and was often branded as one of the best full-backs in the world.
However, a scuffle with his manager resulted in him being left out of his plans.
If he were to join Barcelona, the 28-year-old would enable the side to step up a level and potentially compete with the worlds best once again.
Another player Xavi's men have often been linked with is Juan Foyth.
The 2022 World Cup winner played a starring role in Argentina's campaign and has been stellar for Villarreal domestically.
<p>He has been linked with the Spanish club in the past but his release clause of around £47million makes reaching a deal difficult.</p>
The right-back can also be deployed in the centre of defence so he would be able to offer some versatility to Xavi's squad.
He is also just 25-years-old so if he joins the club, he would be around for a long time.
However, due to financial woes, sales would have to be made in order for the club to pay any sort of transfer fees for players this summer.
Barca have to reportedly cut their annual salary bill down by £176million in order to abide by financial fair play.
This means that if Barcelona wish to sign any players this summer, they will likely have to be free agents or very minimal fees.
<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/news/barcelona-transfer-spanish-giants-move-manchester-city-joao-cancelo">Barcelona transfer news: Spanish giants linked with move for Manchester City star Joao Cancelo </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>