As the transfer window draws to a close, Manchester City is feeling the pressure to finalize crucial deals, particularly concerning the future of João Cancelo. The 30-year-old fullback, who had a highly successful loan spell at Barcelona last season, is at the center of intense negotiations. Cancelo has made his preferences known, expressing that he either wants to return to Barcelona or remain with Manchester City, even if it means having limited playing opportunities under manager Pep Guardiola.
Barcelona is determined to bring Cancelo back into their ranks and has proposed a loan deal with an option to purchase the player for approximately £17 million (€20 million). However, Manchester City is not satisfied with this offer and is holding out for a higher transfer fee, seeking more than £21.3 million (€25 million). To maximize their chances of securing the best possible deal, City has also been exploring potential transfers for Cancelo with clubs in Italy. Nevertheless, Cancelo’s strong desire to return to Barcelona suggests that he will push hard for the move to be completed before the transfer window closes.
In a separate development, Manchester City is on the verge of signing young striker Divin Mubamba, following his departure from West Ham. The 19-year-old became a free agent after deciding not to renew his contract with the Hammers, where he made 12 first-team appearances last season. Despite his free-agent status, City is required to pay a compensation fee, reportedly around £1.2 million, due to the player’s long-term development at West Ham, where he has been since the age of eight.
Mubamba is expected to sign a long-term contract with Manchester City, with plans to split his time between the club’s U21 squad and training with the first team. Additionally, the club is considering the possibility of a loan move for the upcoming season, which would provide the promising young striker with valuable playing experience and aid in his development.
With less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, Manchester City faces a critical period in which they must finalize these deals to strengthen their squad for the forthcoming season. The question remains: will Cancelo make his return to Barcelona, and can Mubamba seize the opportunity to make a significant impact at Manchester City?
