On Thursday, Mundo Deportivo stated Barcelona have informed Jorge Mendes they want to retain João Cancelo, and the agent will do everything to agree a deal with Manchester City next summer.
The right-back arrived at the Camp Nou on loan from Manchester City in the summer, without an option or obligation to buy. João Félix has also been on loan at Barca from Atlético Madrid since the last window.
‘Offensive for Joaos’ is written in bold on the front page of today’s Mundo Deportivo, who add the La Liga side are ‘seriously considering’ buying the duo in January.
The Catalan club ‘want to move forward’ with these two operations, by convincing their parent clubs to lower their demands.
The fullback and forward have impressed and if they continue to shine this season, Barca fear their asking price could rise and new contenders may arrive for them next summer.
To avoid this, Xavi Hernández’s side are trying to expedite deals for them in the winter market. They have an advantage because both Cancelo and Félix ‘prioritise’ staying at the Camp Nou.
The newspaper adds Cancelo doesn’t want to play under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad and is clear that his ‘career at the club is over’, more so if the coach is to stay there.
Mundo state Manchester City value the Portugal international at €25m, while Barcelona’s plan is to lower the asking price to €15m.
That obviously seems quite delusional.
