Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hinted at the potential return of Joao Cancelo to the Etihad Stadium this summer, following his loan spell at Barcelona.
Cancelo, who last appeared for City 18 months ago in a defeat to Manchester United, spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Bayern Munich before joining Barcelona on a season-long loan.
During his time at Camp Nou, Cancelo made a significant impact, scoring four goals and providing five assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
Despite his success and the high regard from former manager Xavi, Barcelona’s current financial difficulties pose a challenge to securing Cancelo on a permanent basis.
Barcelona wish to keep Cancelo
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that discussions are ongoing to retain Cancelo for another season, with new manager Hansi Flick keen to keep the Portuguese full-back.
However, with three years remaining on Cancelo’s contract at Manchester City, any deal must be acceptable to both clubs.
Guardiola, speaking at the Legends Trophy golf tournament in Girona, stated:
“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.”
The relationship between Cancelo and Guardiola has been under scrutiny since Cancelo’s initial departure to Bayern in January 2023, amid rumors of a falling out.
Both parties have denied these claims, although Cancelo later accused Guardiola of misrepresenting his situation and felt unappreciated during his final months at the club.
Cancelo, currently with the Portugal national team preparing for Euro 2024, has expressed his desire to remain at Barcelona, emphasizing his efforts to make the move permanent. City, meanwhile, remains well-equipped in the full-back positions with players like Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and Josko Gvardiol.
The coming weeks will determine whether Barcelona can finalize a deal for Cancelo or if he will reintegrate into Guardiola’s squad for the upcoming season.
