With Joao Cancelo making a big impression very early into his stint at FC Barcelona, talks of a permanent move for him are already rife.
The 29-year-old arrived from Manchester City on a season-long loan deal. Initially, there was a permanent purchase clause included in the loan agreement, but was dropped in the end so that Barça can comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Considering Cancelo’s contract with City runs until 2027 and the form he is showing early in his stint in Catalonia, there are fears that the English champions could seek a big sum for the right-back.
Manchester City could be satisfied with €25 million
However, now a report from Mundo Deportivo is reporting that Barcelona might be able to secure Cancelo’s signing permanently from Manchester City for a fee of €25 million.
As per previous reports, the €25 million valuation is what the two clubs had agreed upon as the figure for the permanent purchase clause to be included in the loan agreement.
But that ended up being dropped because of potential problems with La Liga’s FFP rules.
But, Barcelona have now received information that Manchester City would be satisfied accepting the €25 million as his transfer fee, along with some variables thrown in for titles won and others.
The fact that Cancelo will be 30 years old next year and has no place in Pep Guardiola’s plans works in favour of the La Liga champions.
Beyond that, the willingness of the player to join Barcelona permanently is also a big advantage.
Off to a good start
Cancelo has already made three appearances for Barcelona across all competitions since joining the club on the transfer deadline day.
The 29-year-old Portuguese international even scored his first goal for the Catalans in the 5-0 win over Real Betis last weekend.
The defender spoke about his future in a recent interview and had to say the following about the possibility of a permanent transfer:
“It will depend on the club, on how well I perform. In the end, they measure you by your performance, if you don’t perform, you don’t stay. If you perform, they will want you. So I want to perform, work, and enjoy this club.”
If Cancelo continues in the manner he has started, Barcelona will undoubtedly seek a permanent transfer and a sum of €25 million could prove to be feasible for the club, with president Joan Laporta expecting the finances to improve.