"He is our player" - Pep Guardiola speaks out on Joao Cancelo future

A total of 18 months have passed since the 30-year-old full-back last made an appearance for the Citizens when he played the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 defeat to rivals Manchester United in the Premier League.

Following a brief stint in Germany with Bayern Munich during the second half of the 2022-23 campaign, Cancelo completed a season-long loan move to La Liga giants Barcelona last summer.

The Portugal international has since made a notable impression at Camp Nou, recording four goals and five assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, and was regarded as a key player under former boss Xavi.

Cancelo's current loan agreement with Barca is due to expire this month, but club president Joan Laporta has confirmed that they are in negotiations over keeping hold of the full-back for next season, with Hansi Flick now in charge of the Catalan club.

Amid Barcelona's well-documented financial predicament, it remains to be seen whether the Catalan giants can strike a deal with Man City for Cancelo that suits all parties.

Cancelo still has three years remaining on his contract at the Etihad and if an agreement cannot be reached between the Citizens and Barca, Guardiola has suggested that the full-back will be reintegrated into his squad for pre-season.

Asked about Cancelo's situation after taking part in the Legends Trophy golf tournament in Girona, Guardiola said: "It has to be the best for everyone. The two clubs will sit down.

"He is our player and, if an agreement is not reached, he will have to return in the pre-season. If he wants to stay here [at Barcelona], and the clubs agree, it will be done again."

Does Cancelo have a future at Man City?

Following Cancelo's first exit from Man City to Bayern in January 2023, it was widely reported that both the full-back and Guardiola were involved in a bust-up that led to the former's loan departure.

Both men have since denied such claims, although Cancelo accused Guardiola of 'lying' about his situation in an interview earlier this year and claimed "Man City were a bit ungrateful" during the latter stages of his time at the club.

Cancelo, who is currently away on international duty with Portugal ahead of Euro 2024, has since expressed his desire to stay at Barcelona, stating back in March that he is "doing everything to make that happen".

Man City are currently well-stocked in the full-back department, with Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis and Manuel Akanji all featuring at right-back last season, while Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol alternated at left-back.