There are many uncertainties heading into the new season for FC Barcelona. La Blaugrana already are unaware of the future of who will lead the team as their head coach next season, and the addition of transfer uncertainty only adds to that dilemma. However, certain goals are absolutes for Barcelona no matter what.
One of those goals or objectives is the retention of players they consider structurally integral. This understandably includes the youngsters of the team who Barcelona deem to be absolutely integral to their future plans, but it also includes certain veterans of the team who may still provide experience and quality.
According to an Italian Journalist, as highlighted by Barca Buzz, one of those players is Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese fullback is currently on loan from English Premier League champions Manchester City, and is expected to see his loan deal come to a close at the end of the ongoing season.
However, it appears that Barcelona have no intentions of letting this be his only and final season at the club. As per the report, they have already conveyed to the player their desire to retain him and their willingness to go to any extreme possible to ensure he ends up staying at Barcelona.
One of the ways in which they can do this, as many reports in the past have highlighted, is through the extension of his current loan. It is well-documented that Barcelona have their fair share of financial limitations and worries at the moment, but an extended loan deal could help them out quite a lot.
This particular extension could even end up having a mandatory purchase option attached to it. Through the use of one, Manchester City would be guaranteed the transfer of a player they consider to be unwanted, and for Barcelona, it would guarantee additional time to get the required funds in order.
Moreover, the report also claims that both Barcelona and Manchester City will likely meet soon to discuss the potential future of the 29-year-old Portuguese fullback. They will also talk about the possibilities and various formulas that can be used to settle a potential transfer.
As per the circulating rumors and from what can be inferred from Cancelo’s words, the player himself prefers to stay at Barcelona. After his rather public falling out with Pep Guardiola, a return to the Citizens seems unlikely. However, it is now upto Barcelona and Manchester City to find a suitable common ground.
