The continuity of a leading member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona is no longer assured beyond the summer.
That’s according to Diario Sport, who point towards João Cancelo as the player in question.
Full-back Cancelo, of course, has spent the season to date on loan with Barcelona, from Premier League champions Manchester City.
The widespread understanding, until this week, was that the Camp Nou brass were ready to do their part in keeping hold of the Portuguese international for next season, happy with his performances across the length of the term.
As much, however, now looks considerably less clear.
As per the aforementioned Sport, incoming Barca boss Hansi Flick harbours serious doubts when it comes to Cancelo’s defensive capabilities.
It is in turn suggested that the German could request for the 29-year-old to be overlooked, in favour of bringing in a more defensively sound option, capable of lining out on both sides of the backline.
It is concluded that:
‘If Xavi had continued, Cancelo’s continuity was assured – always with an agreement with City – but now it is more up in the air.’
Conor Laird | GSFN
