Manchester City permitted the exit of key players, including Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte, and Cole Palmer, during the summer, following their historic treble-winning campaign.
Additionally, Joao Cancelo also left, opting for a temporary move for the second time within six months. Cancelo reportedly had a fallout with Pep Guardiola, and this led to his temporary exile, first to Bayern Munich and later to Barcelona. Now the club looks to make it permanent.
Struggling relationship with Guardiola pushes Cancelo towards permanent move from City
Joao Cancelo made a move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window following a short loan spell at Bayern Munich in the second half of the previous season. The Portuguese full-back had fallen out of favor at the Etihad in January, prompting his unexpected loan to Germany. But unfortunately, even Bayern Munich would not keep him, despite helping Bayern win yet another Bundesliga.
Despite having a contract with City until 2027, the former Valencia and Benfica player has embarked on a loan to Barcelona. Following Bayern’s decision not to secure a permanent deal, Barcelona emerged as the leading contender for his signature, despite reported interest from Arsenal in the Portuguese defender.
Barcelona aimed to secure an outright purchase of Joao Cancelo for €30 million, but City was dissatisfied with that valuation. Currently valued at €50 million, his resurgence with the Portuguese national team is anticipated to further elevate his market worth.
Manchester City wants $54.7million for Joao Cancelo
Pep Guardiola and Joao Cancelo’s relationship is now deemed “beyond repair” as Cancelo is now inclined towards a permanent move to Barcelona. Manchester City is now considering the negotiation of another loan deal with an option to purchase.
Following his substitution at halftime in the 1-0 away victory against Chelsea, the former Valencia player was reportedly furious. Guardiola’s comment, “I’m so sorry for Joao, I asked him to play in a position he wasn’t used to,” after he played as a right-winger, added to the discontent.
In subsequent instances, Cancelo went to the bench alone after the bus arrived for the Wolves match, and he reacted angrily to being omitted from the squad against Arsenal. City is seeking $54.7 million for the permanent transfer of the player.
As expected, Barcelona is a frontrunner in the race to sign Joao Cancelo. They look to make his loan permanent after the sterling performance he has had for the club since joining. It is claimed that reaching an agreement with City may not necessarily be a walk in the park but everything indicates that Cancelo will continue at Camp Nou, seeing that City is done with him.
Will Barcelona be the final destination for the Portuguese star? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
