Man City transfer news: Two clubs 'willing' to pay £21m for Joao Cancelo

The Portugal international spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Barcelona, but it remains to be seen whether he will be heading back to Camp Nou for next season.

Due to their financial situation, Barcelona are believed to be looking to agree another loan deal, but Man City would rather sell the right-back this summer as it would boost their transfer budget.

According to Fichajes, as it stands, no European club has lodged concrete interest in Cancelo, with the two main candidates for his signature currently coming from Saudi Arabia.

The report claims that both Al-Ahli and Al Ettifaq have made it clear that they are willing to pay €25m (£21m) to sign the defender during the summer transfer window.

Al-Ahli, Al Ettifaq 'keen' on summer deal for Cancelo

Cancelo made the move to Man City from Juventus in 2019, and he has represented the Citizens on 154 occasions in all competitions, winning three Premier League titles and one EFL Cup in the process.

However, a breakdown in his relationship with Citizens head coach Pep Guardiola saw the 30-year-old join Bayern Munich on loan for the second half of the 2022-23 campaign.

Bayern turned down the chance to sign him on a permanent basis last summer, and he instead made the move to Barcelona.

Cancelo proved to be a vital player for the Catalan outfit during the 2023-24 campaign, featuring on 42 occasions in all competitions, managing four goals and five assists in the process.

Will Cancelo return to Barcelona?

Barcelona ideally want to re-sign Cancelo on loan for another season, but it is difficult to imagine Man City allowing him to spend more time away on loan when there is interest in a concrete deal this summer.

The Catalan outfit's current focus is on signing Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, with a move for Cancelo not viewed as a priority despite his strong form last season.

Cancelo does have another three years left to run on his contract with Man City, but he is highly unlikely to represent the club again due to his strained relationship with Guardiola.

A switch to Saudi Arabia would have to appeal to the right-back, though, and he could potentially hold out for a return to Barcelona late in the window.

Cancelo was a part of the Portugal side that reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, making four appearances at the competition, including 74 minutes of the last-eight clash with France on July 5.