The reasons why Barcelona decided to sign Joao Cancelo

Barcelona have signed, in recent seasons, many players from Valencia. They have paid Los Che over 139m euros in the last six years. Players like David Villa, Jordi Alba, Jeremy Mathieu, Paco Alcacer and Andre Gomes have made the same trip up Spain’s east coast.

After extensive research, Barcelona have decided that Joao Cancelo is their best option to reinforce their right-back spot. These are the reasons they are convinced he will be a successful transfer…

Unbeatable reports

It is Barcelona who have been making moves towards Jorge Mendes, Cancelo’s agent, and not the other way around. Robert Fernandez has been at the Mestalla various times to watch him. Cancelo is viewed as a fine attacking right-back who can be used as a winger if necessary. He has the qualities to stand out in defence too, but his offensive prowess is what makes the club believe he can be the new Dani Alves.

His youth is important too because Fernandez believes he has a lot of capacity to grow. 

Closest to Alves

The relationship between Aleix Vidal and Luis Enrique has made it impossible that the former Sevilla man can be Alves’ substitute. The most similar options in Europe are Cancelo and Djibril Sidibe, the Monaco man. The Portuguese is younger and adapted to La Liga too.

Tactically able

It’s important that any player coming to Barcelona understands the game the club play. There are no doubts with Cancelo. The Valencia man is capable at making the best decision at all times, in attack and defence. He makes few errors and knows how to keep his team organised while causing disarray in opponents. 

Mental strength

Barcelona have enquired to Cancelo’s agents, with Mendes at the head, about the player’s mental strength. They have found out that despite being just 22, 23 in May, he is a mature person, ambitious and with the clear objective of triumphing in world football.

Boost for Sergi

Sergi Roberto has been playing out of position at right-back to fill the gap, but he might get some more game time in his preferred midfield spot if Joao Cancelo arrived.

Sergi Roberto saldría ganando con su fichaje

Aunque pueda parecer contradictorio, uno de los jugadores de los que se contempla un mayor crecimiento tras la llegada de Joao Cancelo es Sergi Roberto.

El de Reus no tiene, a día de hoy, relevo en el Barça porque Aleix Vidal no cuenta para Luis Enrique. En el club están convencidos de que el canterano daría otro paso adelante en su proyección y, además, podría ser utilizado como centrocampista, puesto que ya habría lateral de garantías con el portugués.