Joao Cancelo (foto: Getty Images)
The Catalans have taken their time in completing the transfer of Joao Cancelo. Will they be left empty-handed? Manchester City has two offers on the table for €30 million.
Where will Joao Cancelo play next season? The Portuguese full-back is officially a Manchester City player, but the club no longer considers him part of their plans. Last season, Cancelo played on loan at Barcelona. What about this year? He has a contract with City until the summer of 2027. The English club wants to sell him, but there isn't much interest at the moment.
Barcelona wants to include him in their plans for the new season, but they are currently not negotiating with City, as they are focused on other targets in the transfer market.
The priorities for the Catalans right now are Nico Williams and Dani Olmo, who shone at Euro 2024. Cancelo is a "problem" they intend to address later in the summer, once it becomes clear how much money they have left for the 30-year-old defender.
Consequently, wealthy clubs Al Ahli and Al Ettifaq from Saudi Arabia have seized the opportunity, preparing to offer €30 million for Joao Cancelo, which is the amount Manchester City is expected to accept for the player. Cancelo is a regular member of the Portuguese national team and played against Slovenia in the round of 16 at this year's European Championship.
So far, Cancelo has played for Benfica, Valencia, Inter, Juventus, Manchester City, Bayern, and Barcelona. It's quite an impressive resume.