Barcelona, Man City fast-track negotiations for €25m fullback

After having him in their squad for the 2023-24 season, FC Barcelona are looking to take the Portuguese fullback, Joao Cancelo, for another season.

Although his owners, Manchester City, want to part ways with him permanently, Barcelona can get him only on another loan. The player himself has been quite clear that he wants to play only for Barcelona next season, and this can force the Citizens to arrive at an agreement with the Catalans even if its terms are not exactly to their liking.

The Premier League side had found some suitors in Italy, including Juventus, for their fullback, but Cancelo is clear that he does not want any move other than that to Barcelona. Meanwhile, City’s asking price of more than €25 million has also warded off interest from other sides who might have taken the defender for a lower cost.

In such a context, SPORT reports that Manchester City are now already in contact with Barcelona to finalise an agreement that benefits both parties.

The Premier League title holders want a loan with a mandatory purchase option for the summer of 2025, but Barcelona are pushing for a non-mandatory purchase option, or one which would require some conditions to be met to be activated.

Despite this difference between the two negotiating parties, it is expected an agreement will be reached as soon as the Blaugranes return to the 1:1 rule. Both Hansi Flick and Deco consider Cancelo to be the team’s starting right back for the next season and believe he is the best option available in the market.

Hopeful of a deal being struck in the coming days, Cancelo is looking forward to joining Barcelona directly after his holidays end, without having to return to Manchester City for the preseason. Guardiola himself prefers such an outcome as he does not have Cancelo in his plans and wants his situation to be resolved as soon as possible.