Redaction Flinster Blake with Freddie Pye
Published on 2024-02-05 12:00:00
Recent reports have revealed that FC Barcelona is interested in signing Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo at a discounted price in the upcoming summer transfer window. The 29-year-old has been out of favor at Manchester City, especially under manager Pep Guardiola, and has not been a regular member of the first-team starting line-ups for over a year.
Upon Cancelo’s return from the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Guardiola preferred the use of Academy talent Rico Lewis and veteran Kyle Walker in important fixtures, leaving Cancelo seeking a swift exit. This led to a six-month loan deal at Bayern Munich, which expired last summer without the German club opting to buy him. Barcelona made a move for Cancelo in the previous summer transfer window and is now looking to make the loan deal permanent in the upcoming window.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco and agent Jorge Mendes are in negotiations with Manchester City to secure the services of Joao Cancelo. The player’s strained relationship with Guardiola and his desire to continue playing in Spain are seen as an advantage for Barcelona officials in the negotiations.
Barcelona is reportedly aiming to secure a deal for Cancelo for less than €25 million, which would represent a significant price cut given his contractual situation at Manchester City. While City may not immediately seek a replacement for Cancelo, they may assess the need for a new full-back given Kyle Walker’s age. City officials are keeping a close eye on Brazilian full-back Yan Couto, who is currently on loan at Girona in La Liga.
Overall, Barcelona is aiming to take advantage of Cancelo’s situation at Manchester City and secure his services at a reduced price in the upcoming summer market. Meanwhile, City will assess their options and potentially consider a new full-back recruit.
Read Original article on City Xtra
