Barcelona are close to wrapping up the acquisition of Joao Cancelo on a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season.
However, not everything has been finalised just yet. The two clubs are currently in the final stretch of negotiations, with Barcelona reportedly looking to lower the purchase option.
€25 million – Barça’s ceiling for Cancelo
According to David Bernabeu Reverter of SPORT, Barcelona could close the deal for Cancelo by the end of the week. However, the club want to lower the purchase option.
It appears the Catalans have set a €25 million ceiling for Cancelo’s buyout clause. They feel this figure is quite reasonable, as per their current financial situation.
Manchester City, though, believe the player is worth a lot more. They want the buyout clause to be valued at a minimum of €45 million.
In fact, a different report from ESPN is stating that the Premier League champions are seeking €60 million for Cancelo’s permanent transfer.
Barcelona are unlikely to entertain such a figure, but the two parties are currently negotiating the terms and it will be interesting to see how things pan out in the coming days.
As far as Cancelo is concerned, the Portuguese international is determined to play for Barcelona this season.
The Catalans will assume his salary at Camp Nou, but that will not be a problem thanks to lowered terms by the player.
What will remain an issue, however, is whether or not Barça can negotiate a low purchase option that will enable to keep the player beyond the end of the season.
The club do have an excellent relationship with Man City, but the role of Jorge Mendes, the player’s agent, will also be key.
Mendes, who has a good relationship with Joan Laporta, has promised Barcelona to negotiate a reasonable deal for Cancelo.
The coming days, therefore, could indeed be crucial as the Portuguese international looks to take the next step in his career.
