Decision made on Joao Cancelo’s Manchester City future as agent eyes Barcelona discussions

Manchester City have already made their mind up with regards to the long-term future of Joao Cancelo at the Etihad Stadium, according to reports in Spain.

The Portugal international is into his second loan move since first falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, with sources around the club pointing towards a total breakdown in relations between coach and player.

A temporary agreement involving German giants Bayern Munich was agreed upon in January 2023, with the Bundesliga side ultimately not taking up City on an option to buy, allowing the player to assess his future once again last summer.

That brought about the opportunity of joining FC Barcelona, where Cancelo was eventually joined by former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, and as the end of the season nears, questions are arising over whether a return to the Etihad is on the cards at all for the player.

However, as per the most recent reports from Spain, it appears as though the Joao Cancelo ship has very much sailed for Manchester City, leaving the player to seek an agreement with his current club despite their financial restraints.

According to the information of Mundo Deportivo, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City have no plans to bring Joao Cancelo back to the Etihad Stadium at the end of the ongoing season and the Portugal international’s loan at Barcelona.

It is explained that Cancelo’s super-agent Jorge Mendes is currently ‘working to formalise an agreement’ that will benefit both City and FC Barcelona, with contacts taking place and set to continue in the coming months.

From the side of Barcelona, the report suggests that the La Liga giants will not rule out another loan deal for Joao Cancelo from Manchester City, this time with an inclusion of a purchase option.

Regardless of Joao Cancelo’s final decision on his future this summer, there is an expectation that Manchester City could look at the market for opportunities in the full-back position, amid the ageing performances of club captain Kyle Walker.

Girona’s Yan Couto – on loan from the Premier League champions – is likely to be the most obvious name, however there are some concerns within the club over his defensive abilities, with his attacking showings in La Liga this season being borderline exemplary.

Savio became Manchester City’s first signing ahead of the 2024/25 season, securing the Brazilian forward from ESTAC Troyes after a sensational ongoing loan spell with the aforementioned Girona in La Liga.