Barcelona keeping tabs on Joao Cancelo

By | Niranjan Bhargav 30 Jan, 2023

Barcelona keeping tabs on Joao Cancelo

As per some reports in Spain, Manchester City left-back, Joao Cancelo is set to leave the club. Apparently, it has been reported that numerous players, including Cancelo are unhappy with head coach Pep Guardiola.

The Portuguese fullback was brought to Etihad from Juventus in a swap deal which saw Danilo going the other way. Ever since arriving at the Etihad, he has become the best left-back. However, since returning from the World Cup, the 28-year-old has dropped off in his form.

One might call it a coincidence but it might be due to the ongoing feud with Guardiola. Ever since club football resumed, Cancelo has not come off the bench in three out of six matches so far. Playing for 90 mins just once, Cancelo might be out of favor soon.

Cancelo is going through a tough time considering his deteriorating relationship with the manager along with his dip in form and game time. Thus, a change or even a new challenge might be necessary for the former Juventus defender.

Interests from Barcelona

It seems like, Barcelona has been keeping tabs on the situation and is quite interested in the Portuguese.

Despite interest from ready-make bids coming summer. The Catalans will not shy away either and try to lure in the left back.

Jorge Mendes, Cancelo’s agent has close relations with FC Barcelona and President Joan Laporta. Thus, he is keeping the Catalan club aware of the situation as Cancelo now ‘wants to leave’ the Etihad.

Another team who is in the conversation is AC Milan. However, they lack the financial backing needed to land the € 70 million player. Similarly, Barcelona isn’t financially healthy either. However, with Jorge Mendes helping in sweetening up the deal, things might change.

Barcelona has their eyes on Cancelo even before his Manchester City day. The Catalans even came close to signing him from Valencia but the move fell through.

Nevertheless, Cancelo isn’t the only fullback Barca is interested in. Bayern’s Benjamin Pavard and Dortmund’s Thomas Meunier are on Barcelona’s radar too.

Earlier in the summer, Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta was linked with a move to Camp Nou as well. However, Chelsea triggered a clause that extended his contract by two more seasons.