Xavi wants Superstar new signing in training tomorrow
After repeatedly knocking on Manchester City’s door with hopes of landing the signature of Joao Cancelo, Barcelona finally secured an agreement to acquire the Portuguese star on a loan deal.
The Blaugrana coaching staff was particularly gunning for Cancelo’s signing, as the Portuguese’s experience at the highest level placed him in a favourable position to take control of Barcelona’s right flank.
An announcement from Barcelona regarding the deal is still pending, due to Financial Fair Play checks. However, manager Xavi wishes to have the star man at his disposal as soon as possible.
Xavi wants Cancelo in training tomorrow
Indeed, according to Gerard Romero, Xavi wishes to integrate Cancelo into the team dynamics at the earliest and wants him in training as early as tomorrow.
Barcelona are set to face off against Osasuna shortly and the manager is aiming to incorporate the 29-year-old before that game and does not want any further delays.
Training with the team starting tomorrow would allow the full-back to familiarize himself with his new environment.
Barcelona have suffered injuries to Ronald Araujo, while Alejandro Balde did not start in the previous game due to a minor knock.
As such, the options at the back are looking slim, with Xavi fielding second-choice full-backs on both flanks against Villarreal. However, the equation changes considerably with Cancelo in the mix.
Fair Play holding the deal back
Even though everything is in place for the deal, Barcelona have been unable to press ahead and get it across the line due to the lack of Fair Play margin.
But the imminent departure of Clement Lenglet, coupled with club officials Joan Laporta and Ferran Olive putting up a personal guarantee from their own pockets, could unlock the situation.
With Xavi wanting him in training tomorrow itself, it could imply that Barcelona could complete his signing between tonight and tomorrow morning.
Cancelo could be Barça’s new No. 2
While the 29-year-old was accustomed to representing the No. 7 jersey for Manchester City, that number is currently occupied at Barcelona.
As such, he is likely to don the No. 2 jersey in Catalonia.
The shirt was left vacant after Sergino Dest departed for PSV, and since the number carries immense weight owing to the legacy Dani Alves marked with it on his back, Cancelo would be a good fit.
