Two Saudi Arabian clubs want €25-30 million Barcelona full-back target

Even though financial limitations severely held Barcelona back last summer, club president Joan Laporta managed to acquire Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix on loan just before the transfer window slammed shut.

Having enjoyed the pair’s services without being obligated to pay a permanent fee last season, Barcelona are now eager to repeat the loan formula.

However, Manchester City are not willing to go down the same route again, as they wish to make use of Cancelo’s market value and high demand in the Middle East.

Barcelona will have their work cut out

Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, Joao Cancelo is attracting significant interest from Saudi Arabia, particularly from Al-Ahli and Al-Ettifaq.

Manchester City are looking to secure a transfer fee in the range of €25-30 million for Cancelo, a figure that Saudi clubs are reportedly capable of meeting.

The Portuguese full-back is enjoying a decent Euros campaign, which has raised his appeal in front of potential suitors.

As such, Barcelona have a difficult task in front of them if they wish to retain Cancelo’s services for an additional season.

Given that their finances are not in the best of shape and they have other priorities in mind, such as the left-wing and defensive midfield positions, splashing big on Cancelo is almost out of the equation.

Barça acknowledges the challenge in bringing back Joao Cancelo and are exploring alternatives in case he does not return.

As of now, Barcelona aim to secure a season-long loan without an obligation to buy, but Manchester City currently shows no interest in this option.

Ultimately, similar to Felix’s case, it will largely boil down to how much Cancelo pushes for a move to Barcelona as both players are unlikely to stay put at their parent clubs.