Joao Cancelo provides damning update on Manchester City future amid Barcelona doubts

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Published on 2024-03-12 18:50:02

Manchester City has received an update from Joao Cancelo regarding his longer-term future as the Portugal international looks ahead to the summer transfer market. The 29-year-old is currently on his second consecutive loan spell away from the Etihad Stadium after falling out of favor with Pep Guardiola during the 2022/23 season. Following a loan spell at Bayern Munich, Cancelo returned to Manchester City for pre-season before securing a season-long loan move to Barcelona.

Cancelo expressed his desire to stay at Barcelona in a recent interview with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. While he admitted to not knowing what the future holds, Cancelo stated that he would like to remain at the club, citing his admiration for Ronaldinho’s Barcelona as a reason for his pride in wearing the shirt.

Despite his aspirations, Manchester City is unlikely to welcome Cancelo back this summer, as they have moved on from their previous tumultuous time with the defender. Kyle Walker remains the team’s first-choice right-back, but there could be opportunities for on-loan Brazilian Yan Couto, who has impressed during his time at Girona.

Couto is expected to return to City at the end of the season and could join the team for pre-season activities in the United States. A decision on his future with the club will be made during this period or upon their return to the City Football Academy in August. Cancelo himself humorously acknowledged the limited options available to him at this stage of his career, given his extensive list of former employers in the top-level game.

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