Barring any late twists or unforeseen circumstances, Joao Cancelo is expected to be a Barcelona player by the end of the week.
Spanish publication AS reports that the Catalan giants have finally found a transfer formula that resonates with Manchester City and a deal should be finalised in the coming days.
Xavi Hernandez has been pushing for Cancelo since the start of the transfer window, and the Spanish tactician looks set to finally welcome his long-term target into the fold.
The La Liga title holders will sign the Portuguese full-back on an initial season-long loan, but the deal also features a purchase option worth €30 million.
The transfer will automatically be permanent if Xavi utilises Cancelo in 70% of Barca’s official matches this season.
All that remains for the deal to be formally announced is for both parties to thrash out the final details and schedule a medical.
The 29-year-old right-back was shipped out to Bayern Munich on loan for the second half of last season after falling out with Pep Guardiola.
Despite winning the Bundesliga, he struggled to find his feet with Die Rekordmeister, who opted against triggering his purchase option.
Cancelo was handed ample playing time in pre-season but has failed to make the cut in any of Man City’s four games so far this season.
However, Barca have extended an olive branch, and the former Valencia man will hope a return to La Liga marks a turning point in his once-promising career.
The Spanish giants have been crying out for a competent full-back over the past few years, and none of their previous options have been convincing enough to nail down the role.
Jules Kounde was handed the responsibility last term, but the Frenchman has reportedly informed Xavi of his desire to return to his more accustomed centre-back role.
Barca have shipped Sergino Dest out on loan to PSV Eindhoven after two uninspiring years in the first team, and his departure will facilitate their imminent move for Cancelo.
