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Tottenham target Valencia’s Joao Cancelo to add depth at right-back – would he be a good signing?
The claim that Tottenham could look to make Valencia’s 23-year-old full-back Joao Cancelo their first summer signing with a £25 million bid. Capable of playing anywhere on the right flank, he would be the first addition to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad since last summer.
What would he bring to Wembley?
Primarily, cover for Kieran Trippier. After the former Burnley man was forced off with injury at Wembley on Saturday against Juventus, it’s clear to see why fans are beginning to panic about the lack of depth with it now possible that young Kyle Walker-Peters may step in.
Cancelo is a strong attacking full-back who has established himself in Spain during his time at Valencia. His quality has been proven to the extent that he was strongly linked with a January move to Barcelona by and has been linked with Juventus, as the Mail report states. With an average of an assist every five games in his career to date, it’s clear to see why.
However, unlike many players of similar style, he is also strong defensively. A good tackler and very rarely caught out of position by his runs down the wing, Cancelo is reliable and solid at the back. Also capable of playing further forward on the wing, he can offer versatility too.
Is a move likely?
Speculation has surrounded Cancelo for some time, and Valencia have shown that if the right offer comes in then they will be more than happy to accept. Whether their asking price will match that of Tottenham is unclear, but a deal could feasibly be done.
Tottenham have been slow to act in the transfer market this summer, but injury to Trippier may force them into action with a move for Cancelo. They are clearly reluctant to spend unless required, in this case it is a necessity.
Given the collapse of Valencia in recent years, the Portugal international is likely to be keen to return to the elite level and Champions League football as soon as possible. Tottenham could represent the perfect opportunity to do just that.