Xavi reveals why Cancelo did not join Barcelona in January

Xavi reveals why Cancelo did not join Barcelona in January

Faruq Ibrahim 16:23 - 30.05.2023

Barcelona's manager Xavi Hernandez talks about a missed opportunity in the January transfer window with Joao Cancelo.

Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has revealed that the club were interested in signing Joao Cancelo on loan in the January transfer window before he joined Bayern Munich. 

The Portugal international famously wanted out of City in the winter transfer window for improved game time and was of interest to a number of clubs.

The Catalan giants were one of those clubs, according to Xavi, and he explains why a move did not materialise.  

Why Barcelona did not sign Cancelo — Xavi 

The former Al-Sadd boss explained that the fullback was offered to them in January, and they were interested in making the move happen. 

However, following internal conversations by the Man City leadership, they blocked the move from happening, Xavi said, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Blaugrana are still in the market for a right-back, although they will prioritize recruiting a pivot this summer. 

However, Cancelo is reportedly still on the list of right-backs on their radar, and they could return for him with the player set to return to England after Bayern Munich decided not to sign him permanently.  

Meanwhile, Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets has revealed that Manchester City's Rodri is his preferred candidate to replace him as the Barcelona pivot.  

The retired Spanish international is set to leave Barcelona at the end of the season, ending a 15-year top-flight career at the club. When asked, he explained that the former Atletico Madrid man is his desired replacement.

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