Joao Cancelo has clearly been a target for Barcelona for some time, but given their current financial situation, it’s questionable if they can really afford the £26 million that Man City is reportedly demanding for the midfielder.
With the way the Portuguese star has adapted to life at the Catalan club, it’s easy to see why Xavi wants to keep both him and fellow countryman Joao Felix in his lineup.
As per Fichajes, the club is prepared to offer €50m-rated (transfermarkt) Alejandro Balde in exchange to assist clear the path for any potential trade.
Balde, 20, rushed into the game and moved Jordi Alba to the left of Barca.
He hasn’t exactly performed to the degree that may have been anticipated, though, so he might still be considered a strong candidate for any transfer.
Barcelona might not even think of selling off its young players under normal conditions, but decisions must be made, and Joan Laporta must do what he believes is best for the team.
Before being removed, the club’s former president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, reportedly brought it dangerously near to bankruptcy. Laporta and his board were left to attempt and pick up the pieces and go on.
Some of those choices, like selling Balde, will undoubtedly go against the grain in order to do that, but given the current situation, it seems like there isn’t much of a choice.