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Manchester City Outcast Joao Cancelo faces Man City transfer uncertainty with Barca manager decision after sacking of Xavi

Joao Cancelo, currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester City, might face an uncertain future as the summer transfer window approaches, especially with the Spanish club’s managerial changes looming.

The Portuguese full-back has experienced several loan spells, including a stint at Bayern Munich during Manchester City’s treble-winning season and now a full season at Barcelona. These moves were primarily due to strained relationships at his parent club. This season, Cancelo has made 41 appearances for Barcelona under Xavi Hernandez, contributing to eight goals.

As his loan term nears its end, Cancelo is technically set to return to Manchester City, where he still has three years left on his contract. However, given the circumstances, this return seems unlikely, necessitating further discussions about his future.

When Manchester City and Barcelona finalized the loan deal last summer, there was no clause allowing Barcelona to purchase Cancelo outright. This has led to months of speculation, with recent reports suggesting that Cancelo will not return to Camp Nou.

Xavi’s announced departure from Barcelona has further complicated the situation. Spanish newspaper SPORT reports that Hansi Flick, Xavi’s expected successor, does not favor Cancelo. Flick prefers exploring other options in the transfer market, as he doubts Cancelo’s defensive capabilities fit his system.

Flick’s approach is hindered by Barcelona’s current strategy of preferring loans over permanent transfers. This change of direction is stark compared to two weeks ago when Xavi, despite initially planning to resign, was convinced by the board to stay, thus almost guaranteeing Cancelo another loan. With Flick now poised to take over, this possibility has vanished.

Moreover, Cancelo’s standing has shifted dramatically. Once regarded as the best in his position and a pivotal player in Pep Guardiola’s title-winning teams of 2020-21 and 2021-22, his reputation has since taken a hit.

Consequently, Manchester City will likely seek potential buyers for Cancelo, either arranging another loan or, ideally, recouping as much of the £60 million they invested in him in 2019.

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