One of the questions for Manchester City this summer is where will full-back Joao Cancelo end up come the end of the transfer window. The Portuguese international spent last season on loan at Barcelona. It doesn’t appear that there will be a role for the talented full-back in Pep Guardiola’s squad next season for Cancelo. Where Cancelo ends up at the end of the transfer window is a story to watch for this summer.
Mark Brus has reported for CaughtOffside that Joao Cancelo has agreed personal terms with Barcelona. But it is also reported by Brus that there is no agreement between Manchester City and Barcelona. Furthermore, Brus also reports that Saudi Pro League clubs Al Ahli and Al Ettifaq are monitoring the situation surrounding Cancelo this summer. It remains to be seen if the Saudi Pro League clubs will move for the full-back this summer.
In an ideal world, Manchester City will find a permanent move for Joao Cancelo.
Given that Joao Cancelo has now had two consecutive loan spells away from Manchester City it appears that his future lies away from the Etihad. Pep Guardiola’s side has moved on without Cancelo since he departed the club during a loan spell with Bayern Munich in January 2023. It would appear unlikely that he could force his way into the Manchester City squad for next season. If this proves to be the case it would likely be best for Cancelo and Manchester City if they could sell the full-back this summer.
However, that may prove to be a problem. Barcelona’s current financial situation likely means they cannot afford to buy Cancelo. Another loan move may be the best hope for Cancelo to return to Barca. It remains to be seen if Manchester City will sanction another loan deal for the full-back. The Saudi Pro League may be City’s best hope of finding a buyer for Cancelo. With their financial might, they are the most likely contenders to pay the fee City would demand for Cancelo. But it would depend on if Cancelo fancies a move to the Gulf State. That answer depends entirely on Joao Cancelo.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Joao Cancelo. But a move from Manchester City appears to almost be a certainty. Whether or not it’s another loan deal or a permanent deal appears to be the question.
