Joao Cancelo has not played for Manchester City since January 2023, and despite interest from Barcelona, he might end up returning to City. Cancelo moved to Bayern Munich on loan and then to Barcelona on a similar deal. Barcelona wants to keep him but City is not keen on a loan deal, preferring a permanent transfer. It would be hard for Barcelona to afford him due to their financial situation, potentially leading to his return to City. If he returns, he may have to clear the air with Pep Guardiola following comments criticizing the club.
During his time at Barcelona, Cancelo has made 32 appearances, scoring four goals and providing four assists in all competitions. Barcelona’s president has expressed his desire to retain Cancelo and another loanee, Joao Felix, for the future. Cancelo still has over three years left on his contract with Manchester City after signing a new deal in February 2022. Joan Laporta has stated that Barcelona intends to continue with the players, but it remains uncertain whether they will sign them permanently or extend their loans, depending on the financial aspects.
The future of Cancelo at Manchester City remains up in the air, but if an agreement is not reached with Barcelona, he may head back to the Etihad Stadium. Cancelo has been vocal about feeling ‘ungrateful’ by City and emphasized his commitment during his time at the club. After criticizing City in a recent interview, Cancelo may have to have a difficult conversation with Guardiola if he returns. The decision on Cancelo’s future will depend on negotiations between Barcelona and City, as financial constraints may complicate a permanent transfer to the Catalan club.
The ongoing saga of Cancelo’s future highlights the complexities of modern football transfers, involving multiple clubs and financial considerations. His potential return to Manchester City could depend on Barcelona’s ability to reach a deal with City, as both clubs have different preferences for the transfer. Cancelo has been a key player for Barcelona this season, showcasing his skills and versatility in various positions. His return to City would see him reunite with Guardiola and the squad, providing an opportunity to resolve any issues that may have arisen during his absence. The next steps will be crucial in determining where Cancelo will play next and how his career will progress in the coming seasons.
