According to a report from Manchester Evening News, Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, has expressed his intention to pursue a permanent signing of Joao Cancelo if the Manchester City loanee maintains his current level of performance.
The Sky Blues secured a season-long loan agreement with the Catalan club for the Portuguese full-back on the final day of the transfer window, after extended negotiations between the two clubs throughout the summer. Cancelo had not been featured in the initial weeks of the season before departing, a situation stemming from last season’s discord with Pep Guardiola that ultimately led to his loan move to Bayern Munich.
Cancelo’s Impressive Loan Spell At Barcelona So Far
Last season, during the January transfer window, Cancelo embarked on a loan stint with Bayern Munich. He then made the transition from Bavaria to Barcelona ahead of the 2023/2024 season. Since joining Barcelona, Cancelo has participated in seven matches, scoring twice and providing one assist in various competitions.
He has maintained an impressive run of form for the Spanish club, averaging 3.8 tackles, 1.0 clearances, 0.8 shots, 1.2 key passes, and 2.3 dribbles per game in La Liga. Furthermore, he has exhibited efficiency in his passing game, with an 84.2% completion rate for his attempted passes in the Spanish top flight (statistics sourced from whoscored).
Could the Portuguese Star Make a Return to Manchester City Next Summer?
Joao Cancelo stands as one of the most adaptable full-backs on the global stage, and if he were to make a permanent move to Barcelona, Man City would need to address the void left behind. Cancelo’s versatility extends to both the left and right defensive flanks, and his prowess in attack is noteworthy.
While the Etihad club does possess several right-back options, including Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis, and Nathan Ake, there are some considerations to be made. Walker, although an experienced player, has faced injury concerns, and Lewis is still in the early stages of his career. Ake, on the other hand, is primarily a central defender by trade.
Although Pep Guardiola’s team has demonstrated the ability to perform well without Cancelo in the latter part of the previous season and in the current one, the situation could potentially escalate into a critical issue during key moments if injuries were to occur.
Nonetheless, given the previous conflict between the Portuguese international and the Man City manager, a reunion seems highly improbable. Cancelo is relishing his time at Barcelona, and if the Catalan club were to extend an offer, it’s highly probable that the Portuguese talent would make the switch on a permanent basis.
