Barcelona to FINALLY sign Xavi favourite

James Shearman

Updated: 12 Aug 2023 23:11 BST
3 min read

Xavi is reportedly set to sign his top transfer target, Joao Cancelo, from Manchester City.

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Cancelo will move to Camp Nou on a one-year loan deal, with an option to buy.

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Xavi has wanted the Portugal international for a while but had to let players go to be able to afford him.

And it would appear that the outgoings of Franck Kessie and Ousmane Dembele have provided enough funds.

City did not want to let Cancelo leave on loan initially, but have changed their mind with transfer deadline day nearing.

How will Barcelona line up next season?

© ProShots - Barcelona's probable line-up

Attack

Leading the line will be Robert Lewandowski. The striker was brought in from Bayern Munich last summer and had a successful debut campaign for the Catalan club. The Polish forward netted 33 goals in 46 competitions.

He is also the only out-and-out 'number nine' among the squad. The club has several wingers who could do a job in that position, but if Lewandowski is fit, he will start.

Midfield

Xavi changes his system regularly, but here we have gone for a 4-1-4-1 formation, using Oriol Romeu as the holding midfielder.

Gavi has played on the left for some games and will be positioned there. Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati are other options for the wing, though both have been linked with a move away this window.

Next to him is Pedri, if he can stay fit, with De Jong dictating the tempo.

Former Leeds player Raphinha will operate on the right side, using his ability to cut inside and utilise his left foot. The Brazilian is best positioned in the half-space, similar to Gavi.

Defence

Alejandro Balde will start on the left side of the defence. The centre-back pairing of Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia is likely to be in the starting XI, with Ronald Araujo on the right.

In goal, veteran Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be positioned between the sticks.