Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly willing to sit at the negotiating table with Barcelona for Joao Cancelo.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will look to keep hold of Joao Cancelo beyond the summer transfer window. The Catalan giants want to retain his services on another season-long loan deal. While Manchester City would prefer a sale, they are open to negotiating the terms with the Blaugrana.
Joao Cancelo and his rollercoaster career
Joao Cancelo resurrected his stuttering career after joining Barcelona on loan from Manchester City on Deadline Day of last summer’s transfer window. The Portuguese international was a mainstay at the back for the Blaugrana, and he also reprised advanced roles in a few games.
Meanwhile, the 30-year-old was equally impressive on either flank, amassing nearly 3,500 minutes of game time across 42 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with four goals and five assists. However, Cancelo’s long-term future is uncertain, as his loan spell with Barcelona has ended.
With the former Juventus defender returning to Manchester City, he is unclear what the future has in store for him. The situation is complicated as the Premier League champions prefer a permanent sale, while Barcelona will look to retain Joao Cancelo’s services on another season-long loan deal.
What next?
Joao Cancelo can be a short-term solution on either flank for Barcelona, especially in the right-back berth. The 30-year-old is eager to continue at the Catalan club and is ready to reject overtures from other suitors to ensure it happens. Meanwhile, Manchester City will be open to facilitating a practical solution as Cancelo does not feature in Pep Guardiola’s plans.
Considering Barcelona can only afford a loan deal, another temporary arrangement might be possible. However, Manchester City recently informed Jorge Mendes, Cancelo’s agent, that they are eager to seal an agreement over his exit.
But with Barcelona and Manchester City sitting down at the negotiating table, a solution might be on the cards. It will be interesting to see if the Blaugrana can convince Manchester City to part ways with the 30-year-old Portuguese international on another temporary arrangement in the summer transfer window.
