Joao Cancelo completed a loan move to Barcelona on Friday night after a bit of concern the deal would fall apart – and it has now been suggested that Xavi plans to utilise him in a very similar way to Pep Guardiola.
The Portuguese did not fly to Spain until deadline day, having been waiting for the green light since Monday.
Barca had not gotten their finances in order until the very last minute.
In the end, the club were able to sign both Cancelo and Joao Felix – with both players thought to have taken a salary cut.
They made their debuts last night in the game against Osasuna.
And Cancelo instantly caught the eye with his 30-minute cameo.
MORE MAN CITY STORIES
And now, there is word from Spain regarding just how Xavi intends to use Cancelo…
Xavi has no doubts about Cancelo and will make him a regular at Barcelona
According to a report from SPORT today, Xavi has no doubts whatsoever about Cancelo’s quality.
The Spaniard views him as a top player who can come in and have an immediate impact for his side.
Xavi has wanted to work with Cancelo since January, missing out on him to Bayern Munich in the 2023 winter window.
There is a belief at Barca that Cancelo adaptability will allow him to fit in very easily.
The fact he was been working with Pep Guardiola at City will make his transition very smooth as Barcelona’s style under Xavi is not so dissimilar.
There has already been evidence that Xavi will use Cancelo in the same way Pep did at City. Against Osasuna on his debut, Cancelo would vacate his full-back position to join the midfield – something he did very often in a sky blue shirt.
He is considered to be absolutely necessary by Xavi, and will be a regular starter.
Cancelo will thrive at Barcelona
You would imagine that Cancelo will have a really strong loan spell with Barca.
It sounds very much as though Xavi will get Cancelo playing just as he did for City, instructing him to come inside to create overloads and create chances from central positions.
The Spaniard seems to rate Cancelo extremely highly.
That’s good, because it’s all about Cancelo placing himself in the shop window for the next eight months now.
Ultimately, City are probably going to want to sell next summer.