Barcelona faces financial hurdles as Manchester City sets Joao Cancelo’s transfer fee

Joao Cancelo initially excelled at Manchester City but saw his playing time decrease due to a strained relationship with Pep Guardiola, leading to loan spells, including a successful stint at Barcelona.

Chirag

June 16, 2024

Man City Set Price For Joao Cancelo — Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Cancelo initially thrived at Manchester City, but his relationship with Pep Guardiola deteriorated over time, leading to reduced playing time and subsequent loan spells. His most recent loan was with Barcelona, where he performed well enough to convince the club to pursue a permanent transfer. Manchester City has communicated their terms to Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, regarding a potential transfer for Hansi Flick’s inaugural season.

According to The Sun, Barcelona has been presented with two options, both involving a transfer fee of £25 million ($32m). The first option is to sign Cancelo permanently at the stated price. The second option allows for a consecutive loan spell, during which Barcelona must cover 100% of his wages and agree to a mandatory purchase clause in the summer of 2026 for the same amount.

Last week, Guardiola suggested the possibility of Cancelo returning to City if an agreement isn’t reached. He mentioned that Cancelo would participate in pre-season training if a deal with Barcelona isn’t finalized in time.

He stated: “It has to be the best for everyone. The two clubs will sit down. He is our player and, if an agreement is not reached, he will have to return in the pre-season. If he wants to stay here [at Barcelona], and the clubs agree, it will be done again.”

For now, Cancelo is focusing on his current commitments with the Portugal squad in Germany, as they prepare for their Euro 2024 opener against the Czech Republic, before considering his future in club football.