In light of his uncertain future at Manchester City, Joao Cancelo has reiterated his desire to stay at Barcelona.
Despite being under contract with City until 2027, the defender spent the previous season on loan in La Liga. After an unceremonious loan move to Bayern Munich in January 2023, Cancelo’s prospects of reviving his City career appear slim.
Having spent the last year at Barcelona, Cancelo has criticized Pep Guardiola and City for being unappreciative during his time at the Etihad and for misleading him about his departure.
“I truly like being at Barça, I feel extremely comfortable,” said the defender, who is currently playing for Portugal in Euro 2024. “My wife, my daughter, and my family as well. We want to come back here next year.”
According to Spanish reports, City has informed Barcelona that they would only agree to another loan for Cancelo if it includes a mandatory purchase option for £25 million at the end of the 2024–2025 season. City initially paid around £60 million for Cancelo.
Although Cancelo’s preference is clear, Guardiola suggested a potential City reversal last week, stating that the player would be included in the pre-season squad if his future remains unsettled.
Decisions regarding the 30-year-old’s future are expected to be made after Portugal’s 2024 European Championship campaign.
When asked about his future ahead of the competition, Cancelo responded, “There was some uneasiness from previous speculation about my future, but from the first day here, I forgot all that.”
Barcelona is keen to re-sign him for the next season. “My focus is entirely on the national team and supporting Portugal.”
“Euro 2020 was unfair to me [after I was disqualified from the competition due to a positive Covid test], and I now feel compelled to prove myself for my loved ones, myself, and my friends who shared my dream of being here today.
I will lay everything on the line, give my best, and do everything I can to support Portugal.”
