Loaned in along with his Portugal teammate, Joao Felix, Joao Cancelo's loan deal ended on 30th June 2024, on the same day as Joao Felix. Cancelo has been an instrumental part of Xavi's backline, and his consistent performances not only helped Barca finish at the 2nd position in La Liga but earned him a spot in the La Liga Team of the Season.
Joao Cancelo was part of the plan initially
As in the case of Joao Felix, initially, he was set to be a part of Barca's upcoming season roster. Joan Laporta had expressed his desire to retain both Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix,
""We want the Joaos to continue. Deco is working to ensure that they continue another season in the current conditions.""Joan Laporta
However, Barca's financial conditions don't allow the same as they are still in the race with time and hope of reaching the 1:1 rule as soon as possible. Moreover, the Euro 2024 tournament has changed the contract situations of these two players massively. As the Euros saw the brilliance of the Nico Williams-Lamine Yamal duo, the club is on a mission to reunite the wing duo at Barca.
Cancelo wants to return to FC Barcelona
And for the same, the club is in dire need of cash flow, which would facilitate Williams' deal. On the other hand, resistance from Manchester City for another loan has further neglected the chances of Cancelo representing FC Barcelona this season.
Though recent reports suggest that Cancelo has told his manager, Jorge Mendes, that he only wants Barcelona, his return seems challenging. For the same, the full-back has declined offers from other European clubs, and he wishes to return to Barca, but with Barca looking for Williams, they might have to lose out on Cancelo.
Moreover, as Barca is looking forward to going all out for Nico once the Euros conclude, it is imminent that they will need some sales. In such a case, only Jorge Mendes could pull off something to facilitate Joao's stay at the Blaugrana club, the way he had brought him to Barca on the transfer deadline day of summer 2023/24.