Barcelona will not fork out €40 million to sign 29-year-old versatile full-back Joao Cancelo from Manchester City on a permanent deal.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Joao Cancelo and Barcelona are eager to extend their union beyond the summer transfer window. Manchester City will demand €40 million to sell the versatile 29-year-old full-back. However, the reigning La Liga champions are not ready to meet the Citizens’ valuation.
The Joao Cancelo Story
Joao Cancelo has been among the most eye-catching full-backs in the world for a long time. The Portuguese international has represented some of the biggest clubs in Europe, turning out for Inter Milan, Juventus, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. And the Blaugrana signed him on loan on Deadline Day last summer.
The 29-year-old has been an asset for Barcelona with his versatility, playing as a right-back, a left-back, and a winger. He has turned out 30 times thus far, chipping in with three goals and four assists. Cancelo’s impact for Barcelona has compelled the club to line up a permanent move heading into the summer transfer window.
The former Juventus full-back is prioritising remaining at the Catalan club beyond the summer transfer window. So, Barcelona will look to complete a permanent move ahead of the 2024/25 season. But negotiations with Manchester City will not be straightforward, with a deal difficult.
Will Cancelo Remain at Barcelona?
The report by SPORT has suggested that Manchester City will sell Joao Cancelo to the highest bidder. The Premier League champions do not want to loan the versatile 29-year-old wide man again, especially with Premier League and Saudi Pro League clubs keen on securing his services.
Manchester City will demand €40 million to part ways with Cancelo this summer. But that is a problem for Barcelona, with the Blaugrana unwilling to meet that valuation. Instead, recent reports have claimed that Barcelona will look to complete a permanent move for the Portuguese international for less than €25 million.
Cancelo has no way back at Manchester City after his run-ins with Pep Guardiola. So, with the Citizens ready to sell him to the highest bidder, Barcelona might have to look elsewhere to land a permanent right-back solution.
Hey Farcelona, shouldn’t you first pay City the £22 million you’ve owed it for Ferran Torres’ transfer three years ago? Farcelona will not retain Cancelo or Feliz because it is one of the biggest debtor clubs in world football, despite selling off a huge portion of its future revenues to keep the club from outright bankruptcy.