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Barcelona 'could sign Fiorentina starlet if Joao Cancelo move fails'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 03 April 2024

Barcelona 'could sign Fiorentina starlet if Cancelo move fails'

Barcelona could move for Fiorentina's Michael Kayode if they are unable to come to an agreement with Manchester City over a deal for Joao Cancelo, according to a report.

Barcelona could reportedly make an attempt to sign Fiorentina's Michael Kayode this summer if they are unable to come to an agreement with Manchester City over a deal for Joao Cancelo.

The Catalan outfit brought in Cancelo on loan from Man City last September, and the 29-year-old has been a key player for Xavi's side this season, making 33 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering four assists in the process.

The 29-year-old wants to move to Camp Nou on a permanent basis this summer, but the La Liga champions will allegedly find it difficult to sign him due to their financial issues.

A recent report claimed that Barcelona are keen to agree another loan deal for the 2024-25 campaign, with the move then becoming permanent in the summer of 2025.

However, Man City are only believed to be interested in a permanent exit for a fee of around €50m (£42.8m), and there is thought to be significant Saudi Arabian interest in the Portugal international.

Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo on September 23, 2023 © Reuters

Kayode emerges as an option for Barcelona

According to Fichajes, Barcelona are currently exploring alternatives to Cancelo and have identified Kayode as a genuine target during the summer market.

The report claims that the La Liga giants are determined to add 'emerging talent' to their squad, and the 19-year-old is viewed as one of the brightest young talents in world football.

Kayode started his youth career with Juventus before moving to Gozzano, spending the 2020-21 campaign with the Serie D outfit ahead of a move to Fiorentina in 2023.

The right-back, who is also thought to be wanted by Arsenal and Man City, has made 29 appearances for the Italian outfit, scoring once and providing four assists, including 20 outings in Serie A.

OGC Nice's Billal Brahimi in action with Fiorentina's Michael Kayode in August 2023 © Reuters

Barcelona still attempting to convince Xavi to stay

As it stands, Barcelona will also be searching for a new manager this summer, as Xavi announced in January that he will be standing down as head coach at the end of the campaign.

However, club president Joan Laporta is said to be determined to keep hold of the former midfielder, while sporting director Deco recently said that 'the door is still open' for him to stay.

Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste also said at the weekend that he is working to convince the 44-year-old to alter his stance, as the current manager is wanted as part of "a long-term project".

The La Liga champions have won eight of their 11 matches in all competitions, remaining unbeaten in the process, since Xavi announced that he would be leaving at the end of the season.

Barcelona are second in the La Liga table, eight points behind the leaders Real Madrid, while they are preparing to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, with the first leg due to take place in Paris on April 10.