Barcelona are set to complete the signing of Joao Cancelo from Manchester City. The Catalan club have been pursuing the Portuguese full-back for a large portion of the summer transfer window. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported a surprising update on the loan deal.
Barcelona Will Complete Joao Cancelo Loan With New Conditions
Barcelona are prepared to remove the buy option clause from João Cancelo deal to get Financial Fair Play approval after agreement reached 🔵🔴 #FCB
Deal to be sealed on straight loan until June 2024 — keeping that number as reference for verbal talks next year. 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/Ih8ZPe7ea8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2023
No Permanent Option for Joao Cancelo
Romano stated that “Barcelona are prepared to remove the buy option clause from Joao Cancelo deal.” Financial Fair Play restrictions prevent the reigning La Liga champions from getting the former Nations League winner on anything more than a season loan.
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The deal will have the defender in Spain until June of next year. Negotiations between City and Barcelona are set to take place next year when the Spanish giants could have the financial stability to offer the Manchester outfit a high enough fee to complete a permanent move.
Manchester City Season Outlook
Pep Guardiola’s side are favourites to claim another European title this season. They also lead the Premier League after three games. The loss of Cancelo should not cause the Citizens any trouble unless an injury at right-back makes them regret loaning out the versatile player.
An injury to star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, in addition to the failure to acquire Lucas Paqueta from West Ham, had caused a scare in the middle of the pitch for Guardiola. Reports on Wednesday, though, confirm that City have found their replacement in Matheus Nunes.
Barcelona to Threaten in Europe?
Even before Lionel Messi left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain the Spanish giants were having performance issues in European competitions. Now, the signing of Cancelo could again take the Catalan outfit to the highest level of club football.
Read More: Manchester City Eyeing ‘Explosive’ Premier League Star After Missing Out on Paqueta
One might be hesitant to believe that Cancelo alone is the missing piece for Xavi’s squad. Bayern Munich had the defender on loan last season and they were still thrashed by City. The difference this time is that Blaugrana have the perfect mixture of youth and experience to compete for the Champions League trophy.
