Manchester City’s João Cancelo has been on loan at Barcelona since last summer and his future beyond this season remains uncertain.
Sport state there are no sporting doubts about extending the 29-year-old’s stay but the deal remains ‘very complicated’ because of Manchester City.
The Portugal international’s relationship with Pep Guardiola is broken and that resulted in two loan deals, first to Bayern Munich and then to the Camp Nou.
Last summer, the Citizens spoke with Arsenal and two unnamed Saudi Arabian clubs, but it was the right-back who prioritised a move to the Catalan club.
Sport state Cancelo Manchester City ‘absolutely prioritise’ selling him in the summer and this won’t please Barca as they are looking for another loan deal, with a mandatory purchase option.
The two clubs are very far apart with their valuations, and the Spanish giants have left the case in the hands of Cancelo’s agent Jorge Mendes, to try to soften Manchester City’s stance.
This may not be easy considering both the defender and Guardiola’s side are ‘experiencing strong interest’ from Saudi to sign him, and ‘temptation is on the table’. Sport state Al-Hilal are keen and could make an offer that would be unattainable for Barcelona.
Cancelo has expressed his desire to continue at Barca, but the report says he will have to push for it. Manchester City, who want a sale, will be very tough during the negotiations and the player’s will could be key when making the final decision.
The two clubs are set for tough negotiations in the coming weeks and months.
