With Pep Guardiola Open to End Beef, Manchester City Could Snub Joao Cancelo Again

Joao Cancelo has been experiencing the tougher side of soccer for the last couple of years. The highly talented defender was considered one of the finest prospects for Manchester City with his strong technique and duel-winning ability. But he is now struggling to fit himself into City’s long-term plans. Even though the Sky Blues manager Pep Guardiola hinted at ending the spat with the player, reports again suggest that the Portuguese could be loaned out.

Manchester City is set to undergo a few changes in the upcoming season, but Cancelo’s situation at the club could remain the same. FC Barcelona, where Cancelo spent the last season on loan, has kept the right back in their plans. According to a senior journalist’s post on X, the club wants to extend his loan for another season, but nothing has been confirmed yet, as more meetings will take place with Manchester City which has a contract with the player till 2027.

Despite showing plenty of promise early on at Barcelona with his defensive prowess, long runs, and admirable vision in passing, Cancelo lost form in the latter parts of his stint. The recently sacked Blaugrana manager Xavi Hernandez was reportedly planning not to renew Cancelo’s loan deal. The 30-year-old managed to score 4 goals and provide 5 assists for the Catalan club, but a couple of avoidable mistakes in the backline including the one against arch-rivals Real Madrid in April angered the fans.

Under the newly appointed Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, the Portuguese may have found some hope but just as a loan signing. Reports suggest that the Spanish club doesn’t want an obligatory “buy option” in the loan agreement and wants a similar deal they signed with City last year. But what will Pep Guardiola’s stand be?

Will Pep Guardiola patch up with Joao Cancelo to keep him?

Earlier Pep Guardiola’s words teased the possibility of bringing Joao Cancelo back into the Manchester City set-up. In his press conference a month ago, he stated, “We’ll see at the end of the season,” giving a sneak peek into his thought process. Although it doesn’t guarantee Cancelo’s return to City, a slight hope lingers for the fans who want him back. Apart from Barcelona, other clubs from Saudi, City’s English rivals Arsenal and European rivals Bayern Munich are also interested in Cancelo. It would be interesting to see where Cancelo lands, as the Sky Blues could sell him in case they receive a good offer.

Guardiola found it tough to deal with Cancelo because of his inability to accept the bench patiently. Cancelo could not tolerate being sidelined from the playing XI, resulting in Guardiola’s wrath. However, with the player himself preferring to stay in Spain now, it appears Cancelo might miss out on another season at the Etihad. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.