The acquisitions of Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix on loan from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, respectively, generated considerable anticipation within FC Barcelona during the summer transfer window. These two Portuguese internationals were secured on temporary contracts without any provision for permanent acquisition. Nevertheless, Barcelona has articulated its intention to retain Cancelo and Felix beyond the current season.
Barcelona willing to pay €15-20 million for Cancelo
According to a report by SPORT’s Ferran Correas, Barcelona is purportedly considering a financial outlay ranging from €15 to €20 million to secure the permanent transfer of Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.
Cancelo’s contributions have proven more than adequate for Barcelona. Initially recruited to bolster the right-back position, his adaptability has seen him deployed across various roles, with his current role situated as a starting defender on the left side in light of the absence of the injured Alejandro Balde.
Having participated in 29 matches, Cancelo has notched three goals and provided four assists.
Barcelona expresses contentment with his performances, and the player himself expresses a desire to prolong his tenure. However, it is understood that Manchester City, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, does not envision a future for Cancelo within their squad, prompting their inclination to offload him.
While Barcelona exhibits a keen interest in securing the services of the Portuguese defender, they are not inclined to meet any arbitrary price. Cancelo remains under contract with Manchester City until 2027, and Barcelona’s proposed offer for his acquisition ranges between €15 to €20 million.
The negotiation dynamics are expected to hinge significantly upon the pressures exerted by Cancelo and his representative, Jorge Mendes, with the aim of persuading Manchester City to accept a fee that aligns with Barcelona’s valuation, which may diverge from the English champions’ initial asking price.