Joao Cancelo set for shock transfer after refusing return to Manchester City

Joao Cancelo is rumoured to be in talks to for another loan period, but this time he wants to swap the German Bundesliga for a stint in the Spanish sunshine.

Cancelo temporarily departed Manchester City to join Bundesliga title-chasers Bayern Munich earlier this year.

The shock loan move came after the 28-year-old reportedly had a falling out with City boss, Pep Guardiola.

While his beginning at Bayern looked bright, it is now widely assumed that because of his lack of playing time, a permanent transfer deal probably won’t take place.

According to Spanish publication, Sport, that works well for Cancelo as he has no interest in remaining at Bayern past the 2022/23 campaign.

However, it’s said that he isn’t too keen on returning to The Sky Blues either.

Instead, his agent, Jorge Mendes, has apparently been meeting with Barcelona representatives to discuss a temporary loan deal.

It's said that Cancelo could join the Catalan side for the entirety of the 2023/24 La Liga campaign.

Marcel Engelbrecht/DPA/PA Images

Furthermore, the supposed loan deal would also include a purchase option in the summer of 2024.

The report from Sport says that Barcelona is the defender's ‘ideal destination’ and that Mendes was ‘mediating to achieve a favourable loan move’ for his client next season in sport.

SportsMole reports that Barcelona's head honcho, Xavi, is already a ‘huge admirer’ of Cancelo, and believes he could be a player that could help propel the club to new heights.

However, at this moment in time, Cancel’s move from City via Bayern to Barcelona is just speculation.

But with Guardiola and Cancelo's relationship still reportedly on the rocks, it’s clear to see that Cancelo could benefit from being anywhere other than Man City right now.

Back in February 2022, the defender signed a new contract with City which will see him right through to the summer of 2027.

At the time of the signing, he said: “Manchester City is a fantastic club, so I am incredibly happy to have signed this new agreement.

“City players have everything they need to reach their full potential, with amazing facilities, world-class teammates and an incredible manager who pushes us every single day.

“There is nowhere better to play football and it’s a pleasure to work here,” he continued.

“I have so much I want to achieve before my career ends… This new contract means I now have complete focus on improving my game and winning more trophies with this team.”

Cancelo moved from Serie A side Juventus in 2019 to join City and has since made 154 appearances for the club in all competitions.