Deco has now expressed his delight at how Joao Cancelo is performing for Barcelona during his loan from Manchester City.
Barcelona’s Director of Football spoke to Mundo Deportivo about the Portugal international.
So, what was said about Joao Cancelo? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the 29-year-old has been a revelation at the Camp Nou under Xavi.
Cancelo has scored two goals – while also providing one assist – across six appearances in La Liga so far.
The Manchester City loanee has made a transformative impact down the entire right flank for Barcelona, and Deco has now hinted at a permanent deal in 2024.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo about Cancelo and also Joao Felix, the 46-year-old said: “We’re enjoying their contribution to the team, both are dominating and helping us a lot.
“It’s too early to mention talks with Man City or Atléti. We will see. The Joãos are now helping us, that’s key.”
Mundo Deportivo also asked Deco to use one word to describe Cancelo – he chose “quality”.
How much Manchester City could make from Joao Cancelo sale
Apparently, there is already a fixed purchase option agreed between Manchester City and Barcelona.
The Daily Star believe that Manchester City have given Barcelona an option to buy Cancelo for just £24.3m – which would represent a huge loss on the £60m initially spent to sign him from Juventus back in August 2019.
Nevertheless, the Barreiro-born technician has fallen out with Pep Guardiola, which was always going to damage his value as concerns creep in.
The Guardian believe Guardiola was actually left dismayed by Cancelo’s reaction after the Spaniard dropped him for Rico Lewis, so it is for the best that he departs, regardless of the fee involved.
Hopefully, Barcelona are in a position to sign Cancelo on a permanent basis next summer, and Manchester City can move on from the Portugal international.
