Manchester City outcast Joao Cancelo has finally joined Barcelona on a season-long loan.
Barcelona negotiated with the Blues, and they agreed a deal some time ago. However, due to financial struggles for the La Liga giants, the deal was delayed.
The Spanish club agreed to pay the full-backs wages. Although they were unable to afford this.
As a result, Joao Cancelo approved a pay-cut to ensure the loan move goes ahead.
There is no option to buy included in the deal, likely because Barcelona can not afford a permanent deal.
Fabrizio Romano has exclusively broken the news that the deal is now finalised.
Official, here we go confirmed! João Cancelo joins Barcelona on loan deal from Man City 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB
No buy option included in the deal. #DeadlineDay @Duelbits pic.twitter.com/NPwa5ZzOe5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2023
Barcelona statement on João Cancelo: “Club wishes to thank the João publicly for the financial effort made and his desire to wear the Barça shirt” 🔵🔴
Cancelo reduced his salary to make it happen.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2023
Cancelo was on the out following a rumoured bust up with Guardiola. He did feature during pre-season, though he has not been included in any match-day squad since the return of the season.
He will join former City skipper Ilkay Gundogan at Barca, who also moved there this summer.
Manchester City will have enough without him. The Blues thrived following his loan departure during the winter transfer window. Going on to win the Treble says it all.