Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are reportedly keen to sell on-loan fullback Joao Cancelo in the summer – however, they will demand a fee of around £35 million for his services, according to Spanish sports media outlet SPORT.
Several clubs are believed to interested in City’s offer from across Europe. Among them are Barcelona and the club he is on loan at, Bayern Munich – however, the German giants’ interested appears to have waned over the last few months.
As such, Barcelona will now be the favourites to acquire Cancelo’s signature. But should City let him go or give him another chance at the Etihad Stadium?
Should Manchester City keep Joao Cancelo?
At this point, a clean break may be the best outcome for all parties involved. Manchester City have proven that they do not need Cancelo, with players such as Rico Lewis and Kyle Walker stepping up in his absence.
Additionally, it appears clear that Cancelo does not want to play for City any more. Re-introducing him to the squad could have a negative effect on their dressing room harmony.
On the other hand, if Cancelo does leave the club, they would be allowing a very talented full-back (who can play on either flank) slip through their fingers. It’s a tough situation, but it is also one that Guardiola cannot afford to spiral out of control.
Joao Cancelo career summary
Cancelo’s youth career began life at Barreirense, when he was just eight years old. Five years later, he joined Benfica, the club he would ultimately make his professional debut with.
In 2015, Cancelo left his native Portugal to sign for Valencia for a fee of around £12 million. After making 64 appearances for Los Che and spending a season on loan at Inter Milan, he signed for Juventus.
A successful season with the Old Lady earned him a move to Manchester City – however, his future now appears to lie outside of Manchester.
