Cancelo PRICED OUT of Barca move; surprise new contenders emerge

Joao Cancelo risks being PRICED OUT of a permanent move to Barcelona by Manchester City with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal now emerging as contenders for his signature.

Cancelo, 29, has been out of the reckoning at City since being sent on loan to Bayern Munich for the second half of last season amid reports that he had fallen out with City manager Pep Guardiola.

The full-back was on the move again last summer with a one-year loan deal to Barca agreed and it’s been reported that the Blaugrana would like to make the arrangement into a permanent one.

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However, Barca’s finances would not enable them to get to City’s asking price, according to Sport, which is set at around €50 million.

Instead, the Catalans are said to be hoping to secure the Portugal international on another loan deal with an obligation to buy then inserted into the contract for 2025.

It’s not known whether City would approve of such plans as their idea is to get rid of Cancelo as soon as possible with relationships deteriorating and the club seeking to cash in.

Cancelo, who is under contract until 2027, earlier this month accused City of being ungrateful and Guardiola of telling lies in relation to his Etihad exit. He has no future at the club and City must find a willing buyer.

That’s where Al-Hilal come in with Jorge Jesus’s side now linked with Cancelo’s signature.

City have had success selling to Saudi Arabia

City have had success in selling players to Saudi Arabia in recent months with Aymeric Laporte joining Cristiano Ronalo at Al-Nassr and Riyad Mahrez securing a move to Al-Ahli.

Sport also reported that Cancelo was a subject of Arsenal interest last summer, as well as two more unnamed Saudi clubs.

He opted for a Barca loan, on a reduced salary, in order fulfil a wish of representing the Catalan giants.

The former Juventus star has been a mainstay for Xavi’s side this term, appearing 32 times in total, scoring four goals, and helping Barca qualify for the Champions League quarter finals.