La Liga heavyweights Barcelona have reportedly ramped up their efforts to sign Manchester City outcast Joao Cancelo this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Joao Cancelo is a step closer to returning to FC Barcelona in the summer transfer window. The Portuguese international is ready to block all offers to rejoin the Blaugrana. Manchester City initially wanted €25 million to get him off the books but will sanction a loan deal if the Catalan giants accept a mandatory purchase clause.
The Joao Cancelo story
Joao Cancelo has endured a topsy-turvy ride throughout his career despite representing nearly half a dozen high-profile clubs thus far. The experienced full-back has turned out for SL Benfica, Valencia, Inter Milan, Juventus, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona.
The 30-year-old does not have a future at Manchester City after a bust-up with Pep Guardiola in December 2022 ended up with banishment from the first-team squad. Bayern Munich signed him for the second half of the 2022/23 season before Barcelona landed him on a season-long loan deal last summer.
What next?
Cancelo turned out 42 times for Barcelona while chipping in with four goals and five assists. The two parties understandably want a reunion this summer after a solid 2023/24 campaign for the Portuguese international. However, Manchester City’s refusal to budge from the player’s asking price has complicated the move.
Meanwhile, Saudi Pro League clubs have been open to coughing up €25 million to sign Joao Cancelo from Manchester City. Recent reports have also linked the experienced wide man with a return to Serie A, with Juventus initiating discussions to land the out-of-favour Manchester City full-back.
However, Cancelo’s heart is set on returning to Barcelona, with the 30-year-old Portuguese international ready to rebuff all offers to seal his desired move. That might happen, with the Catalan giants accelerating their move for the player. While Manchester City wanted €25 million to part ways with Cancelo, they are ready to sanction another loan deal.
But the Premier League champions want Barcelona to accept a mandatory purchase clause. The Blaugrana would prefer a buy option but might insert an obligation clause if the conditions suit them. So, an agreement is close, with both clubs working on finalising the deal for Cancelo.
