Transfer: Barcelona end Joao Cancelo pursuit

Barcelona are poised to end their pursuit of Joao Cancelo for the 2024/25 season.

The Catalan club has been in protracted negotiations with Manchester City throughout the summer, attempting to reach an agreement for the defender.

Despite Cancelo’s expressed desire to return to Barcelona, and City’s initial willingness to sell, the two clubs have yet to make significant progress. City remains firm on their €25m valuation of the Portuguese international.

Pep Guardiola has indicated that Cancelo could still feature in his plans, particularly with interest from the Saudi Pro League that meets City’s asking price.

As a result, Barcelona is considering walking away from the deal, as they had hoped to secure Cancelo at a reduced fee, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Although Cancelo has offered to take a pay cut to facilitate the move, City is standing firm on their price for the 30-year-old.