Transfer Centre

Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo 'on Barcelona's right-back shortlist'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 23 April 2023

Manchester United's Diogo Dalot and Manchester City's Joao Cancelo are on Barcelona's right-back shortlist for the summer window, according to a report.

Barcelona have reportedly included Manchester United's Diogo Dalot and Manchester City's Joao Cancelo on their right-back shortlist ahead of the summer market.

The Catalan giants are widely expected to sign a specialised right-back ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, with Sergi Roberto, Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo all playing in that position this term.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Dalot is a target for Xavi's side, with the Portugal international's long-term future at Old Trafford currently unclear.

The 24-year-old has been a regular for Erik ten Hag's side this term, featuring on 36 occasions, scoring twice and registering three times in the process.

However, he only has a contract in Manchester until June 2024, and there have been claims that Man United want to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong in the upcoming market.

Bayern Munich's Joao Cancelo in action on February 11, 2023 © Reuters

The report claims that Cancelo has also been identified as a target, with Dalot's international teammate potentially being available on another loan deal this summer.

The 28-year-old made the move to Bayern Munich on loan from Man City in January, and he has represented the German side on 16 occasions, contributing one goal and five assists in the process.

Bayern can sign Cancelo on a permanent basis this summer, but the club are unlikely to take up the option, as it would cost them in the region of £61m.

As it stands, the Portuguese will be heading back to Manchester this summer, but his alleged difficult relationship with Citizens head coach Pep Guardiola could lead to him departing once again.

Villarreal's Juan Foyth celebrates their first goal scored on April 12, 2022 © Reuters

There are also said to be other names on the shortlist, with Villarreal's Juan Foyth consistently linked with Barcelona over the last 12 months or so.

Borussia Dortmund's Thomas Meunier and Leverkusen's Frimpong have also been mentioned as possible targets, with the former potentially a more realistic signing.

Frimpong is widely expected to leave Leverkusen this summer, with Man United said to be in the driving seat for a player who has contributed nine goals and nine assists in 40 outings at club level this term.

Meunier only has a contract with Dortmund until the summer of 2024, and he could potentially be available for a cut-price fee in the upcoming market.

Foyth, though, is contracted to the Yellow Submarine until June 2026, and his club are expected to firmly resist any interest in the Argentina international ahead of next season.