Manchester City star Joao Cancelo joins Barcelona on loan
According to the club’s official website, Manchester City star Joao Cancelo has joined Spanish champions Barcelona on a season-long loan.
The Portuguese international was a key part of Pep Guardiola’s squad, impressing one and all with his performances out on the flank. However, he has fallen down the pecking order in recent seasons and is surplus to requirements at Manchester City.
The 29-year-old is in need of a new challenge and the move to the Nou Camp will help him do just that. A right-back, Cancelo is also capable of playing on the other flank when needed.
It was imperative for Barcelona to bring in another right-back given that Sergi Roberto is the only player they have in that position. Cancelo is far more experienced than the La Masia graduate and will also be keen to prove a point.
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A dynamic two-way player, Cancelo should complement Alejandro Balde on the opposite flank, adding more impetus to the Barcelona wings. This should aid Xavi Hernandez in suppressing difficult defences getting behind opposition lines and wreaking havoc.
Cancelo has not just played for Manchester City but also other big clubs such as Benfica, Juventus and Bayern Munich, all of which will have helped him build up a winning mentality. Barcelona are far from the force they once were and could do with winners in their squad. There is much Cancelo can offer.
It can be argued that the Portuguese international star’s reputation took a beating during his fall from grace at The Etihad. The player has arguably played his last game for the Sky Blues and it remains to be seen if Barcelona will make the move permanent next summer.
For now, the ball is in Cancelo’s court and the onus is on him to perform and rebuild what is a flagging career at the top level.
