Saudi interest for Man City loanee could spell trouble for Barcelona | OneFootball

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It seems that complications are a never-ending pastime for FC Barcelona when it comes to transfer targets. The Catalan giants do not seem to catch a break no matter what area of the market they seem to be interested in. Even when it comes to retaining players, Barcelona have their fair share of complications.

Such is the matter when it comes to Barça’s objective to ensure the continuity of a certain Portuguese fullback. Joao Cancelo, on loan from Manchester City, remains the ideal fullback for Barcelona. However, the fact that he is still just a loan player is more than concerning for the Catalans.

Hoping to make his stay permanent, the Blaugranes are working with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, to convince Man City and soften their stance on the Portuguese fullback. However, it seems that Cancelo and Barcelona are set to have a bit of a fight on their hands.

As per SPORT, interest from the Middle East has started to increase when it comes to the 29-year-old defender. Al Hilal, to be specific, is one of the Saudi Arabian clubs most interested in acquiring the Manchester City loanee and is willing to offer a direct transfer fee for him.

That is something problematic for Barcelona, who can not offer the same kind of deal. Instead, the Catalan giants were hoping to extend the loan for another year and add a mandatory purchase clause at the end of it. Not exactly the ideal operation for Manchester City, but it is what Barcelona are hoping to achieve.

However, the Citizens are eager to get the Portuguese fullback off their hands completely. His current relations with both the club and head coach Pep Guardiola are far from being breezy, and his upwards revaluation is even more of an incentive for the English club to consider his sale.

For Barcelona, however, he is a guaranteed sporting bet. His quality and versatility have afforded them many joys, and they have thus made him a priority signing to continue with them. However, convincing Man City will be the big objective for Barcelona and Mendes if Cancelo’s stay is to be prolonged in Catalonia.