Joao Cancelo has confirmed he hopes to see his loan from Manchester City to Barcelona past the end of the current campaign ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Napoli.

The Manchester City defender is on a season-long loan with the Blaugranes on a deal that does not include a purchase clause.

Although the club management has already made it clear since the beginning of the campaign that they hope to sign him permanently at the end of the season.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Portuguese international expressed his admiration for the Catalan giant but admitted he does not know if he’ll be able to continue with Xavi’s side.

“I know nothing yet [about the future], but I’d like to stay here. I grew up watching Ronaldinho’s Barcelona. He’s my idol. I am proud to wear this jersey, and there aren’t other clubs I can join, right?”

When did Joao Cancelo join FC Barcelona?

Barca reached an agreement with Manchester City on September 1st, 2023, for the loan of the Portuguese full back until June 30th, 2024, with no option for a permanent transfer. 

Since joining Barcelona, Cancelo didn't take long to win over the fans with his sublime goals, assists, and brilliant contributions to the defense.

His first goal came in the home league match against Real Betis on September 16, which ended in a dominant 5-0 and earned him the La Liga Goal of the Month award.

He also helped Barcelona overturn a two-goal deficit in a 3–2 home victory against Celta Vigo on September 23 with a last-minute winner and an assist.

On November 28, Cancelo scored and assisted in a 2-1 comeback at home against Porto in the Champions League group stage, winning man of the match and securing the club's spot in the round of sixteen.

With his contributions so far, it'll be a huge mistake to lose such a versatile wingback. 

I mean, where else do you get a natural right back who's so fit and pacey enough to easily wander up the wing to support and even join the attack when called upon?

Is Manchester City preparing to bring him back?

Joao Cancelo is tied with Manchester City until 2027, but if we're to go by Pep's words, which are that he will let any player leave if they request an exit, then the Portuguese international will be made available for sale this summer.

The problem for Barcelona, however, is that the Premier League side doesn't seem like they'll be letting Cancelo go for free. 

Well, that's expected of any player with as much experience as Cancelo. The full-back has a wealth of experience at several big-name clubs across Europe, including Bayern Munich, Juventus, Valencia, Inter Milan, and so on, so he won't be given out like a piece of cake.

Can Barcelona afford to buy?

Mundo Deportivo recently suggested that City could demand around £26 million, which isn't too much, but given Barcelona's financial fair play issues, it could prove to be a major problem.