Talk of Semedo-Cancelo swap increases

A few days back, it became public that Barcelona and Manchester City could be working on a swap deal involving the two fullbacks who both used to play for Benfica: Joao Cancelo and Nelson Semedo.

This Sunday, 'Sport' confirmed that talk of a deal is serious. It is a move orchestrated by Jorge Mendes, which would lead to financial benefits for both clubs.

You have to remember that the Barcelona right back was one of the principal candidates to leave Barcelona a year ago, but then, he was persuaded to stay.

The reality, almost a year later, is that Nelson Semedo has been the same inconsistent player who has not impressed at Barcelona. He has had a mixture of spectacular performances in defence and attack with others which have seen him weak in one area of the field. 

The Catalan paper says that the club have not ruled out the possible deal although they have not confirmed anything either. The possibility of a swap came about a weeks after Jorge Mendes tried to find clubs for Semedo in January.

Semedo's contract will end in two years time so if Barcelona cannot renew him, they will sell him in summer 2021 even if the price is not a good one.

At the age of 25, Joao Cancelo, ex-Valencia, is a much more technically minded and attacking player. But he has the same problem as Semedo: he is not consistent. He has been at three top clubs in Inter, Juventus and Man City in the last three seasons, but never nailed down a starting spot.

Although the departure of Semedo would lead to profit, Barcelona want some extra money to seal the deal. That could be the main sticking point when it comes to completing the swap with Man City.