Barcelona plot a shock player swap deal for Manchester City flop.

How the 26-year-old João Cancelo can improve the options in defense in Barcelona.

Lately, Barcelona has shown interest in bringing Manchester City right-back Joao Cancelo and could be involved in a player-swap deal with Nelson Semedo this summer, as per Telegraph.

Barcelona, on the other hand, is not showing signs of consistency despite a change in management. Lionel Messi has done almost everything for them in the absence of Luis Suarez. But as a matter of fact, he is too helpless with no reliable player in the squad. Apart from the Argentinean ace, no one has done their part, the team has witnessed the downfall in their performance.

The defensive problems persisted at Camp Nou for long. The right-back slot is empty since Dani Alves left in 2016. In the middle of the backline, Gerard Pique is not at his best. Another defender Samuel Umtiti has fallen out of favor since he underwent surgery and failed to put in a string of consistent performances.

The third option is Jordi Alba, the only left-back option in Barcelona. The Spanish giants have two right-backs including Sergi Roberto and Nelson Semedo. However, Roberto is often played between the midfield and right-back positions, leaving Semedo as the only option on the right side of the defense.

Now Barcelona is eyeing for a major squad overhaul. So that they can build a team around Lionel Messi and make the most of the final years of his career.

How João Cancelo can be the right man for Barcelona?

João Cancelo came through the grades of Benfica’s youth academy and joined Valencia in the summer of 2014. He made his reputation after featuring regularly in his last two seasons at the Mestalla prior to moving to Inter Milan on loan.

A year later, Juventus signed him and at Turin, he established himself as one of the best right-backs. Scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists in 32 games for the Italian Old Lady. He was also an important part of Juventus winning the Serie A title campaign. His consistent impressive form earned him a move to Manchester City. But unfortunately, he failed to make an impact at the Etihad stadium where Kyle Walker waa picked regularly ahead of him.

Cancelo developed himself into a modern full-back during his time at Inter Milan and Juventus. Yet, he couldn’t establish himself at the back for Manchester City. The presence of Kyle Walker limited Cancelo game time at City. He only got to feature in just 24 games across all competitions, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist.

Portugal international has all the abilities to become a world-class player if given the right opportunities. He would be a good addition to Barcelona as he would bring healthy competition to Sergi Roberto if he joins Barcelona.