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Barcelona signing this sought-after Serie A starlet would help them stabilize a key position – Agreed?

Barcelona Opinion: Why should Barca sign Joao Cancelo?

According to a report from Mirror, Barcelona have entered the race to sign Juventus full-back Joao Cancelo, with Ernesto Valverde aiming to stabilize the right-back position.

Premier League giants Manchester City and United are also potential suitors for the Bianconeri defender and now, they are dealt with a blow as the Catalans have joined them in the race.

Cancelo’s eye-catching season in the Serie A

The Portuguese ace attracted attention, owing to a string of impressive displays for Juventus. He racked up 5 goals and an assist in all competitions. 

The former Valencia man turned out to be a key member for then-manager Massimiliano Allegri, as they achieved the eighth consecutive Serie A title. 

The ex-Benfica talent also didn’t shy away from showing his versatility, playing as a winger, wide midfielder and also as a left-back.

Joao Cancelo

Barca’s right-back conundrum hit by Semedo’s transfer links

Elsewhere at Nou Camo, Valverde often shuffled the right-back void with Sergi Roberto and Nelson Semedo throughout the campaign, with the latter one getting frustrated for the lack of playing time. 

Despite being overflown with potential and showing enough compatibility with teammates Lionel Messi, Malcom and Ousmane Dembele, Semedo was used as a substitute on six occasions and even in the Champions League semi-final defeat versus Liverpool, where he looked more superior than the defunct Roberto.

And the former Benfica’s man disappointment has fuelled the transfer links with fellow La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid, with Diego Simeone keen on the Portuguese man.

Nelson Semedo

While Roberto is looking more out of sorts to play as a right-back in recent times, the Blaugrana are deprived of options other than reserves defender Moussa Wague, who is yet to make his mark.

Given this, the Catalans can make the most out of the services of Semedo’s compatriot, Cancelo. As far as the previous season is concerned, Cancelo held a pass success percentage of 86 and also bagged 2 Man of the Match awards.

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Having acquired the name for his agility and strong technical skills, he also averaged 2.4 dribbles and 1.4 key passes per game, an indication of how significant he was in his side’s attacking third.

Cancelo also didn’t beg to differ in terms of defensive stats, as he averaged 1.17 tackles and 1.3 clearances per game.

Final verdict

The Catalans shouldn’t hestitate to make a call on Cancelo if they fail to hold on to Semedo next season. 

And the Bianconeri starlet’s versatility and experience are something  Barca can look forward in the upcoming campaign.