Earlier today it was reported that João Cancelo had agreed personal terms with Barcelona ahead of a potential loan move this summer. Before the move could progress any further, Barca and Manchester City needed to agree on the parameters for the deal, we now understand that one such parameter has been set.
According to ESPN, Manchester City are reluctant to lower their asking price from €60 million for the Portuguese right-back.
Barcelona was willing to insert a €35 million obligation to purchase clause in any loan deal, but the fact the two sides are €25 million apart doesn’t bode well for a compromise.
Is €60 million too much for a soon-to-be 30-year-old defender?
Everyone knows that Barca’s financial situation is precarious. They got themselves into this mess by spending lavishly, beyond their means and committing too much to too many.
Cancelo is a fine player, one of the better right-backs in world football. But he’ll turn 30 before the obligation clause would come into effect.
For a player who doesn’t want to be at Manchester City, and it seems the club don’t want him there either, €60 million is a lot to ask in return.
The one aspect that plays in Manchester City’s favour is the fact that Cancelo is contracted to the Premier League Champions until 2027, so it’s not a case of him waiting and threatening to walk away for free.
Cancelo was left out of City’s opening day squad that despatched Burnley 3-0, and he’s also been left out of the squad heading to Athens this week to play Seville in the Super Cup. It’s clear that his future is away from the Etihad.
Barcelona needs to decide if spending that kind of money on a right-back equals a good investment. Especially with the age and alternative options like Foyth who would cost slightly less, but is also 5 years younger.
Hopefully, a compromise can be reached this week with reports indicating that talks are set to intensify. There’s little hope that any deal will be concluded in time for the weekend’s visit of Cadiz, so expect to see Ronald Araujo there.