Barcelona saving Joao Cancelo until last – Jorge Mendes working on option to buy with Manchester City | OneFootball

Super-agent Jorge Mendes’ presence in London this week has been well-documented, as he tries to thrash out a deal for Joao Felix between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, and in turn saving a move for Conor Gallagher to the Metrpolitano. He has also taken the chance to continue talks with Manchester about a move for Joao Cancelo to Barcelona.

The Portuguese full-back remains set on a move to Barcelona, and while there are offers on the table from Saudi Arabia, the conviction of the player and his family are so far leaving Manchester City without much alternative than to negotiate. They had been hoping to secure at least €25m for him.

Mendes is in the process of negotiating a deal for a loan with an option to buy for Barcelona though, rather than an obligation. The value of that option would be around €20m, as reported by Sport.

Cancelo, 30, had a tough season last year, showing his technical ability in stages, but ultimately being unable to defend when it matters most against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, games which defined Barcelona’s season in the wrong sense. Hansi Flick will have alternatives this season though, with Jules Kounde more accepting of the right-back role, and Alejandro Balde at left-back is once again fit.