La Liga champions Barcelona are reportedly working on the formula to re-sign Joao Cancelo next year after his current deal expires.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona will look to re-sign Joao Cancelo next year. The reigning La Liga champions are working on a strategy to complete a loan deal with a mandatory purchase clause. But Barcelona and Manchester City differ on the valuation of that clause, with the Blaugrana aiming to pay €30 million, while the Citizens want €50 million.
Joao Cancelo: Back in Form
Joao Cancelo has resurrected his stuttering career since joining Barcelona from Manchester City this past summer. The 29-year-old was once among the best full-backs in the Premier League. But a bust-up with Pep Guardiola spelt the end of his time at the Etihad, with Manchester City loaning him to Bayern Munich in January 2023.
However, the Bundesliga champions did not complete a permanent transfer this past summer. And Cancelo had to wait until Deadline Day of the summer transfer window to sort out his immediate future. The Barcelona move has worked out well for the Portuguese international thus far, as he has been a mainstay at the back for them.
The former Juventus defender has chipped in with three goals and two assists in 16 appearances thus far for Barcelona. With Cancelo becoming a pivotal figure for them, the reigning La Liga champions are keen on keeping him at the club beyond the 2023/24 season. So, they are working on a formula to re-sign the player next year.
Will Barcelona Bring Cancelo Back to Catalonia Next Year?
Recent reports have claimed that negotiations between Barcelona and Manchester City were complicated. So, the deal to re-sign Cancelo will be difficult to complete for the Blaugrana. Nonetheless, the Catalan giants want to seal another loan deal for the 29-year-old Portuguese international.
Such an arrangement will contain a mandatory purchase clause. But Barcelona and Manchester City differ on their valuations. While the reigning La Liga champions will look to pay €30 million to secure Cancelo’s services on a permanent transfer in the 2025 summer transfer window, City will demand €50 million.
So, Barcelona and Manchester City will need to get past the difference in the valuations to hash out another deal next year. It will be interesting to see if the 29-year-old Portuguese international returns to Catalonia next summer.
