Joao Cancelo has reiterated his wish to remain at Barcelona, despite his future with Manchester City being uncertain.
The defender spent last season on loan in La Liga but remains under contract with Manchester City until 2027. His prospects of reintegrating into the City squad seem slim following his unhappy loan spell with Bayern Munich, which began in January 2023.
Cancelo’s year-long stint at Barcelona has been marked by his public accusations against Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, alleging they lied about his departure and treated him disrespectfully during his time at the Etihad. Currently on Euro 2024 duty with Portugal, Cancelo expressed his contentment at Barcelona, stating, “I genuinely like being at Barça; I feel extremely comfortable. My family, including my kid and wife, also feel at home here. We expect to be here next year.”
Reports from Spain indicate that Manchester City has set conditions for Barcelona if they wish to retain Cancelo for another season.
The Premier League champions have stipulated that a second season-long loan for Cancelo would only be approved if Barcelona agrees to a £25 million buyout clause at the end of the 2024/25 season. This is significant considering City initially paid approximately £60 million for Cancelo.
Pep Guardiola recently suggested a potential reversal in Cancelo’s situation at Manchester City. He hinted that Cancelo could be included in City’s pre-season squad if his future is not resolved before then.
Despite this, Cancelo’s preference for staying at Barcelona is evident. Any final decision regarding the 30-year-old defender’s future will likely be made after Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign concludes.
When asked about his future ahead of the tournament, Cancelo addressed the earlier speculation, saying, “There was some uncertainty while I was off, but I ignored all that from the first day here.
I’m completely focused on the national team and assisting Portugal.” He reflected on his experience with Euro 2020, where he was ruled out of the tournament after testing positive for COVID-19, describing it as unjust. Cancelo emphasized his determination to make a strong comeback for himself, his family, and his supporters, saying, “I now want to offer a response for myself, my family, those who love me, and my friends who wanted to be here, sharing this dream. Therefore, I will lay all my cards on the table, give my best, and do everything I can to aid Portugal.”
This determined mindset highlights Cancelo’s commitment to both his national team and his desire to secure a future where he feels valued and respected.
As the football community awaits the outcome of Portugal’s Euro 2024 performance, the spotlight remains on Cancelo and the impending decisions about his professional career. Whether he stays at Barcelona or faces a return to Manchester City, Cancelo’s journey continues to be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
The next steps will reveal whether his aspirations align with the decisions made by the clubs involved, shaping the trajectory of his football career.
