Former Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo reportedly wishes to join Barcelona in a permanent move next summer.
Cancelo, who currently plies his trade at Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Barcelona.
After falling out of favour at Manchester City, talented Portuguese right-back Cancelo joined Bayern Munich on loan in the second half of the 2022-23 season. The 30-year-old performed well, scoring a goal and providing four assists in 15 games, but the Bavarians chose against making his deal permanent.
Cancelo returned to Man City in the summer of 2023, but Pep Guardiola had no plans to reintegrate him into his plans. During the summer transfer window, Barcelona capitalized on the uncertainty surrounding his future and signed him on loan. Cancelo was an integral part of Xavi’s XI over the course of the 2023-24 season, playing 42 games in all competitions and chipping in with four goals and five assists.
Cancelo enjoyed his time in Catalonia and tried his best to secure a permanent move to the capital. However, due to Barca’s poor economic condition and Manchester City’s reluctance to negotiate, Cancelo could not continue with the 27-time Spanish champions. Shortly after returning to Man City, Cancelo moved to Al-Hilal, with the Cityzens accepting a €20 million (£16.6 million) bid for the Portugal international.
Joao Cancelo Wishes to Return to Barcelona
Cancelo has become a crucial cog in Al-Hilal’s system. He has already played 19 games for the club in all competitions (via Transfermarkt) and chipped in with a goal and eight assists. Cancelo has also more than doubled his wages and stands to earn more down the line.
🚨🚨| BREAKING: Joao Cancelo wants to RETURN to Barcelona & is ready to do ANYTHING to make it happen. @sport 🇵🇹🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/TdXKzsVeOQ
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) December 23, 2024
However, despite seemingly thriving in Saudi Arabia, Cancelo continues to contemplate a potential move back to Barcelona. According to Spanish journalist Luis Miguelsanz (via SPORT), Cancelo is prepared to take a sizable pay cut to play for Barca, as he believes he can reach his full potential at the club.
Barcelona are reportedly in the market for a right-back. However, they are focused on finding younger options who can develop at the club. So, unless things drastically change in the coming six months, Cancelo is unlikely to get the chance to fulfil his Barca dream.
