Manchester City Set £26 Million Price Tag for Joao Cancelo’s Permanent Move to Barcelona

In a transfer development, Manchester City have reportedly communicated to Barcelona that a fee of approximately £26 million is required to secure the permanent services of Portuguese right-back Joao Cancelo. Currently, on loan with the Catalan giants, Cancelo has been a stalwart in the Barcelona defense, making 15 La Liga appearances and contributing to three goals during the ongoing season.

Cancelo’s presence has brought stability to Barcelona’s right-back position, an area that the club has grappled with in recent years. His performances have played a pivotal role in Xavi’s side competing at the top of the league alongside teams like Girona and Real Madrid.

The 29-year-old had a loan stint with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in the latter part of the previous season, but a permanent deal for the 2023-24 season did not materialize.

Joao Cancelo to Barcelona – Another Loan Move or Permanent Transfer?

According to reports from Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona are keen on securing Cancelo’s transfer on a permanent basis due to his impressive contributions this season. While Manchester City are open to negotiations, the Premier League champions have stipulated a transfer fee of around £26 million.

Barcelona’s financial constraints may pose a challenge in completing such a deal at this stage, leading the club to explore the possibility of arranging another loan agreement for Cancelo.

Additionally, Barcelona are reportedly seeking to extend the loan deal with Atletico Madrid for attacker Joao Felix, who has formed a dynamic partnership with Cancelo on the right flank, scoring three goals in 15 La Liga matches since his summer arrival.

Joao Cancelo, known for his versatility, has not only played at right-back but has also operated at left-back for Barcelona and in a more advanced role on the right wing.

With only midfielder Ilkay Gundogan logging more minutes for Xavi’s side this season, Cancelo’s importance to Barcelona is evident. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Barcelona are working towards extending Felix’s loan agreement beyond the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign.

As England international Kyle Walker assumes the role of first-choice right-back at Manchester City, Cancelo’s potential permanent move to Barcelona adds intrigue to the January transfer window. Barcelona, currently trailing Real Madrid by seven points, will resume their La Liga campaign against Las Palmas on January 4 following the winter break.