Barcelona ‘verbally agree’ deal for world-class defender

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 27 Sept 2023 12:52 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Manchester City over a deal for defender Joao Cancelo, according to reports.

The La Liga outfit have already secured the Portuguese players’ services, agreeing to a a deal in principle, as per Spanish outlet El Chiringuito.

They say that Barca and the Citizens have shaken hands on a €35 million transfer fee, though the buying club may still need to generate funds through player sales to finalise the deal, with them still struggling to comply with the FFP regulations of their domestic league.

READ: Barcelona dealt transfer blow as target 'would rather join Real Madrid'

Another stumbling block is that, if Cancelo continues on the rich vein of form that he is in, the side may look to increase the value of the defender.

Man City had valued Cancelo at €70m during the January window when he agreed to a loan deal with Bayern Munich.

READ: Barcelona plan SHOCK free transfer move

The German outfit had made their own attempt to secure Cancelo on a permanent contract but failed in their pursuit after Barcelona came knocking.

The 29-year-old joined Barcelona on loan from Man City on deadline day of the summer transfer window, after he was informed that he was no longer in Pep Guardiola’s plans.

At the Nou Camp so far, Cancelo has contributed with two goals and an assist in his first three appearances, prompting Xavi to get a permanent move sorted.

Xavi hails character

It comes after Xavi hailed his side’s character after managing to come back from two goals down to beat Celta Vigo 3-2 on Saturday, moving top of the La Liga table.

"We didn't play well (but) came up with the epic, showing winning character," said Xavi, who celebrated his 50th La Liga win as Barcelona manager.

"Historically we have lacked that ... this shows the generational change we have, they didn't give up, two nil down at home.

"I think this generation fights until the end ... what happened today is a tremendous turning point of winning character, we didn't play well but it's about character, faith, the epic."