Barcelona reportedly discussing transfer move with Man City for Joao Cancelo

Barcelona in talk with Man City for Cancelo - Photo Credit || Imago

Barcelona reportedly discussing transfer move with Man City for Joao Cancelo

Stephen Oladehinde 15:20 - 02.08.2023

According to reports, Barcelona are negotiating with Manchester City for defender Joao Cancelo after his loan spell ended with Bayern Munich.

The Portuguese unexpectedly left the Etihad in the January transfer window, and this summer, he is apparently planning a long-term move.

He has been linked with a move to several big teams in Europe and Man City are looking to cash in on him after a fallout with Pep Guardiola.

Man City would reportedly prefer to sell the Portuguese international than enter into another loan agreement, and Barcelona might be able to accommodate City's demands.

Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo - Photo Credit || Imago
Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo - Photo Credit || Imago

Barcelona wants Cancelo

According to talkSport as reported by Daily Mail, Barcelona, the La Liga champion, have started negotiations with City about buying the full-back, who cost £60 million to bring from Juventus to Manchester in 2019. 

Following Tuesday's 1-0 friendly victory over AC Milan, Barcelona manager Xavi emphasised the necessity for the team to improve their defence.

Xavi said as reported by Daily Mail, “With the departure of Dembele, we need a pure right-back now.”

Cancelo moved to Bayern Munich on loan and made 21 appearances for the Bundesliga giants during the second half of the campaign, helping them win their 11th straight Bundesliga title on the last day of the season. 

The defender is alleged to have reacted violently after learning that he would not be in the starting Eleven for City's FA Cup match against Arsenal in January, leading to a training ground altercation with Guardiola that led to the move. 

Cancelo's relationship with Guardiola gradually deteriorated after the World Cup, and has been vocal about his desire for more playing time.

He rejoined the City team at the start of the preseason, and he stood out during the team's first friendly triumph over Yokohama F. Marinos.