A year ago
Joao Cancelo is expected to make a significant summer transfer, but it won't be to Bayern Munich because his loan problems have persisted.
Given how crucial Cancelo had been to Pep Guardiola's club entering this season, it would have been difficult to imagine that the full back would be departing Manchester City anytime soon.
The first half of the season saw him perform far below his typical level, and he accepted full responsibility for the defeat to Liverpool in October.
He eventually lost the manager's favor and was demoted to the bench, behind Rico Lewis and Nathan Ake in the lineup.
Even so, it still came as a surprise when he was loaned to Bayern at the close of the January transfer window, despite indications that he had a falling out with Guardiola.
Just 17 minutes into his stint in the Bundesliga, he contributed to a goal, but since then, things haven't gone as planned and he hasn't always been the first choice.
Last Saturday, the Portuguese star made his displeasure known by appearing to be the only player on the team not to celebrate their victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Even while the club's willingness to meet his £70 million clause makes his future in Germany uncertain, that doesn't mean he will remain at City.
The 28-year-old is open to moving to Barcelona on loan as long as there is a promise that the relationship would eventually become permanent, according to the Spanish publication SPORT.Given that Ronald Araujo had to play right back during Wednesday night's Copa del Rey loss to Real Madrid, Xavi is desperate to expand his alternatives at fullback.
Araujo has a stellar reputation, although his best position is center back, as seen by the fact that Vinicius Jr. crushed him during the cup loss.
Although Juan Foyth is another player who Barcelona would be interested in signing, it seems unlikely that they would be able to meet his transfer release clause from Villarreal.
All parties would benefit from a loan for Cancelo because it would free up money for the Spanish league leaders to invest elsewhere, ensure that the player plays in the Champions League, and prevent Guardiola from being stuck with a player he doesn't want.
After being unable to register Gavi's contract and needing sponsors to cover a probable return for Lionel Messi, Barcelona's finances are once again being brought to light.
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