Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has provided insights into the future of Joao Cancelo, suggesting that the full-back might return to the City squad this summer unless a deal with Barcelona materializes.
Cancelo, who has been on loan at various clubs, including Bayern Munich and more recently Barcelona, has not featured for Manchester City since January 2023, prompting discussions about his potential reintroduction to the squad.
Loan Stints and Recent Performances
Cancelo’s absence from Manchester City’s lineup spans over 17 months, with his last competitive appearance dating back to January 2023 in a match against Manchester United.
Following this, he was loaned out to Bayern Munich, where he made 21 appearances but was not signed permanently by the German club.
Subsequently, Cancelo spent the recent season on loan at Barcelona, where he enjoyed regular playing time, featuring in 42 matches across various competitions.
Uncertain Future and Potential Return
With Cancelo’s loan deal at Barcelona nearing its end, his future remains uncertain. While there is a possibility of him extending his stay at the Catalan club, it hinges on reaching an agreement that satisfies all parties involved.
Guardiola has emphasized the importance of finding the best solution for everyone, indicating that if a deal with Barcelona is not reached, Cancelo will return to Manchester City for pre-season preparations, potentially joining the squad for their upcoming tour of the USA.
Past Speculation and Denials
Previous reports suggesting tension between Cancelo and Guardiola have been refuted by the player himself.
Cancelo clarified that there was no altercation with Guardiola, stating that his departure was a mutual decision made in consultation with the coach and the club.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his future, Cancelo remains committed to Manchester City, with three years left on his contract, which he signed in February 2022 after joining the club from Juventus in August 2019.
Conclusion
As negotiations with Barcelona unfold and speculation surrounding Joao Cancelo’s future intensifies, Pep Guardiola’s remarks shed light on the potential scenarios awaiting the Portuguese full-back.
Whether he returns to Manchester City’s squad or secures a permanent move elsewhere, Cancelo’s journey underscores the complexities of modern football transfers and the pivotal role of managerial decisions in shaping players’ careers.
As fans await further developments, the looming prospect of Cancelo’s return to Manchester City adds intrigue to the upcoming transfer window and pre-season preparations for both clubs involved.