Manchester City have reduced their asking price for Portugal right-back Joao Cancelo, and have attracted a new suitor in the process. They are still some way off getting what they want though.
As per Sport, City have reduced their asking price from the previously demanded €25-30m, and will now consider offers approaching €20m. Saudi Arabian sides Al-Ahli and Al-Ettifaq are willing to pay the original price, but are yet to be able to convince Cancelo to leave European football.
Meanwhile the Catalan daily also quote Corriere dello Sport in saying that Juventus are now interested in Cancelo too. Thiago Motta and the Bianconeri will try to persuade Cancelo to return to Turin this summer instead of Barcelona, which was his original intention.
Flick surprised with his decision to call up La Masia youngsters and cousins Toni (15) and Guille (16) Fernández for pre-season. @scapde_45
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 10, 2024
Nevertheless, like Barcelona, La Vecchia Signora only want to offer a loan with an option to buy next summer for the now 30-year-old. This clashes with City’s desire to move him on permanently, with no place for him under Pep Guardiola. If Barcelona do not manage to bring Cancelo back on loan, then they will try to go for a low-cost option at right-back.
The Blaugrana have the added advantage of agent Jorge Mendes, whom they have good relations with. Ultimately, if Cancelo decides he is open to other offers, Barcelona may struggle to retain Cancelo. Their current options on the right of defence are youngster Hector Fort, returning loanee Julian Araujo and Jules Kounde.
