Barcelona are reportedly expected to find it very difficult to sign Joao Cancelo on a permanent basis despite their desire to bring him to Camp Nou on a long-term deal.
The Portugal international joined the Catalan outfit on loan from Manchester City in the final stages of the summer transfer window, and he has been in strong form for the club this term.
Cancelo has contributed two goals and one assist in 14 appearances in all competitions, and Barcelona sporting director Deco has signalled a desire to keep the right-back at the club beyond the end of the season.
However, according to SPORT, a permanent move for the 29-year-old will be complicated despite the fact that Man City are keen to move him on.
The report claims that Pep Guardiola's side, who have the defender on a contract until June 2027, have set a valuation of around €50m (£43.8m) ahead of next summer's transfer window.
© Reuters
The report claims that Barcelona ideally want to sign Cancelo on loan for another season, but Man City would allegedly only be willing to discuss that if a mandatory purchase clause was included.
The Premier League champions could reportedly be open to accepting another season-long loan, providing that Barcelona pay his wages in full and commit to a €35m (£30.7m) fee in the summer of 2025.
However, Xavi's side are said to be wary of agreeing to that at this stage due to the uncertainty surrounding their financial situation moving forward.
Barcelona also want to sign Joao Felix on a permanent basis from Atletico Madrid, with the capital outfit's president Enrique Cerezo revealing that a deal could happen next summer.
© Reuters
Like Man City, though, Atletico are in the driving seat, as the club extended Felix's contract until June 2029 before allowing him to move to Barcelona on loan.
Cancelo had been an important player for Man City before his relationship with head coach Guardiola appeared to break down towards the end of last year.
The Portuguese moved to Bayern Munich on loan in January and went on to represent the German giants on 21 occasions, scoring one goal and registering six assists in the process.
Bayern turned down the chance to sign him on a permanent basis, which led to him returning to Man City, but he then moved on loan to Barcelona in the latter stages of the summer market.
Matt Law
