It is more than evident that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola does not want Joao Cancelo in his team. The Portuguese international will end his loan tenure with Bayern Munich at the end of the season and will return to Manchester before being offloaded to one of his suitors.
Due to the full-back situation, he has been linked with a move to Barcelona, but the operation is not really as smooth as it seems.
Although Barcelona are looking at ways to strengthen the right-back area, SPORT reports that the Premier League champions would demand €40 million for his signature.
Interestingly, City bought Cancelo from Juventus for €65m, meaning they are set to take a €25m loss. And for what it’s worth, SPORT claims Cancelo may just be the cheapest option on the market Barcelona could find this summer.
Furthermore, although Barcelona are also exploring the possibility of signing him on loan, City have made it abundantly clear that the 28-year-old will only be transferred on a permanent deal.
All of these events coincided with Xavi’s preference to sign a right-back this summer. At the moment, the Blaugrana are exploring the possibility of signing Juan Foyth, but Barcelona have yet to find a middle ground with Villarreal, who are reluctant to let the Argentine leave.
Cancelo is also on Barcelona’s list, but the Portuguese’s fate only depends on what Manchester City want. It is clear to them that there is absolutely no way they will approve another loan for the 28-year-old.
Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard is also on Barcelona’s agenda and has been for some time. But the Bavarians want to keep the defender, especially since Cancelo will no longer be available.
Now, given the current state of finances, €40 million might seem like a lot for Cancelo, but note that Barcelona are well on their way to generating revenue through player and sponsor sales.
Leave a comment