Barcelona director remains in talks with teenage prodigy despite Cancelo pursuit – report

The orchestration of Barcelona’s defensive symphony is marked by a subtle yet critical note: that of the right-back position.

With aspirations of making amends on the right flank, the club is keen to wrap up business before the transfer window slams shut.

While Barcelona have not given up their pursuit of Joao Cancelo, whose arrival is advancing rapidly, SPORT have come out to claim that Barça’s new sporting director, Deco, is simultaneously working on the signing of Ivan Fresneda.

The former midfielder remains in constant talks with the 18-year-old right-back’s environment despite Barcelona’s well-known pursuit of Cancelo.

Fresneda continues to be a viable choice for Barcelona

Cancelo has always been the first priority for Xavi and the coaching staff owing to his experience and expertise in a positional play system, which will aid the team immediately in the short term.

Meanwhile, at the same time, Deco values the young jewel from Real Valladolid, who may lack Cancelo’s experience but has showcased an incredibly high ceiling.

It was previously reported that Barcelona’s official announcement declaring Deco as the sporting director means the signing of Fresneda is more realistic than ever, considering the Portuguese had his sights set on the 18-year-old from the beginning.

In order to complete the incorporation of Cancelo, Barça have been in direct contact with Jorge Mendes, the footballer’s agent. There is optimism that Mendes will clear the way and make it simpler for the player to join the team on loan.

Due to the club’s economic situation, the Catalan club seeks to complete a transfer with a practical buy option, which will be a tough ask with Manchester City being seduced by offers from Saudi Arabia for their full-back.

As such, in case Man City presents too many roadblocks in Cancelo’s signing, Deco is ensuring Barcelona’s chase for the player will not jeopardize Fresneda’s signing.

The possibility of signing both Fresneda and Cancelo is not ruled out for now either, with the former likely to be loaned out in such a scenario.