Last week, Sport stated Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola ‘vetoed’ João Cancelo’s move to Barcelona in the winter market.
The right-back joined Bayern Munich on a loan deal in the same window, and they retain an option to make his stay permanent. Despite this, the La Liga side continue to look at the 28-year-old as a target for the summer.
That’s according to a ‘confidential’ report from Sport, who state the Manchester City owned player is the ‘favourite’ target for Barca, along with Thomas Meunier.
Barca are going through economic difficulties and Xavi Hernández believes whatever little funds are available must be used to strengthen other positions. The option to sign a new right-back was ruled out two weeks ago but the latest setbacks [may be because of Sergi Roberto’s injury] have made them rethink.
Cancelo would be the ‘closest option’ for Barcelona since he ‘wishes to come’ to the Camp Nou. He seems to be willing to take a pay cut, if Manchester City are willing to sanction a loan move. This can be possible only if Bayern decide not to exercise the purchase option.
Guardiola had already blocked the Portugal international’s move to Barcelona in January and there’s a possibility he could repeat it again in the summer.
With Cancelo keen to join Barca, an operation could be carried out in the next window, if the player and the Spanish giants can convince the Manchester City manager.
