Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo has returned to Manchester City following his loan spell at Barcelona, but his future remains uncertain. While there has been interest from Serie A giants Inter Milan and Juventus, Cancelo’s primary desire is to rejoin Barcelona for the upcoming season.
The Portuguese fullback’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has reportedly offered his client’s services to both Inter and Juventus. However, these initial discussions did not gain significant traction. Meanwhile, Sport (via OneFootball) report that Barcelona are exploring the possibility of securing Cancelo on another loan deal, potentially including an option or conditional obligation to buy.
Manchester City, however, appears to be more interested in a permanent transfer for Cancelo, with a reported asking price of €20 million. This stance could complicate negotiations with Barcelona, who may prefer a more flexible arrangement.
Inter Milan’s interest in Cancelo was initially linked to the uncertain future of Denzel Dumfries. However, recent reports suggest that Dumfries is close to accepting a new contract offer from Inter, which would see his annual salary increase from €2.5 million to €4 million. This development may cool Inter’s pursuit of Cancelo.
Juventus, on the other hand, seemed more keen on acquiring Cancelo before they signed Juan Cabal. The Old Lady’s interest in bolstering their fullback options made them a potential destination for the Portuguese international.
Despite the Serie A interest, Cancelo has put other potential moves on hold as he awaits the possibility of returning to Barcelona. The player’s preference for a move back to Catalonia is clear, and he seems willing to prioritize this option over others.
One significant hurdle for both Inter and Juventus in pursuing Cancelo is his current wage structure. The fullback’s salary demands could prove problematic for the Italian clubs, potentially limiting their ability to compete for his signature.
