Barcelona would have to shell out €20 million on loan operation for Man City outcast

It is no secret that Barcelona are strong admirers of Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese international is out of favour at the Etihad Stadium after falling out with Pep Guardiola, with the Catalans keen on his signing.

Barça made an attempt to sign Cancelo in January but were rebuffed by the Cityzens, who instead loaned out the right-back to Bayern Munich. But with the Bavarians not activating the permanent purchase option, the 29-year-old is back in Manchester.

With the full-back looking bound for an exit again, Barcelona are keen on signing him this summer. Although, given their financial situation, a permanent transfer is out of the question and a loan deal is being considered.

However, according to a fresh report from SPORT, even a loan deal to sign Cancelo might be financially unfeasible for Barcelona.

While manager Xavi Hernandez and the club really like the 29-year-old right-back, the costs involved for his temporary signing could reach around €20 million including loan fee and salary.

And, the Blaugrana do not think that it would be prudent to spend so much on a player that will not even own and will have at the club for just one year.

Instead, the club administration would prefer to invest in the permanent transfer of a younger player with potential, someone who can grow into an important player at the club for years to come.

Barcelona have been linked with a move for Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda, although the 18-year-old does not generate complete consensus at the club. Pablo Maffeo of RCD Mallorca is another option on the table and could be within the Catalans’ reach, financially speaking.

So, as it stands, a move for Cancelo could be unlikely unless he agrees to drop his wages significantly.