Game over for Man City ace, as £43m exit Guardiola can’t wait to complete takes shape

Man City want to sell a £43m-rated superstar ‘as soon as possible’, and talks over a move to his potential next club are bubbling away under the surface, per reports.

Pep Guardiola tinkered with his formation last season, ditching the customary 4-3-3 for a 3-2-4-1. The change brought out the best in many City stars such as Nathan Ake and John Stones. However, there were those who were negatively impacted by the shift.

Kyle Walker was one, with the right-back lacking a natural position in the formation. Walker occasionally played as the right centre-half in the back three, though he split time with the impressive Manuel Akanji. Amid his reduced role at the Etihad, Walker is the subject of strong interest from Bayern Munich.

Another player who suffered even more than Walker was fellow full-back Joao Cancelo.

The Portuguese was simply sensational in the two campaigns prior to last year. Indeed, the 29-year-old earned places in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 PFA teams of the season. He was also named in the FIFPRO World XI in 2022.

However, Guardiola could not find a position for Cancelo in the new system and after a reported row over his minutes being cut, Cancelo was loaned out to Bayern Munich in January.

Thomas Tuchel’s side opted against signing Cancelo outright when the loan concluded. As such, Cancelo has returned to Manchester, though perhaps not for long.

Barcelona want Cancelo; Guardiola desperate to sell

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galletti, Guardiola and Man City “want to part ways with [Cancelo] asap.”

While not stated, it stands to reason City want a speedy exit to help complete signings of their own. RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol is wanted, while a replacement will be needed for Riyad Mahrez who’s joined Al Ahli.

Arsenal had drawn fleeting links with Cancelo, though their capture of Jurrien Timber has seen their interest subside.

Instead, it’s Spanish giant Barcelona who are emerging as the most credible contender to snap up Cancelo.

Barcelona have struggled at right-back in recent times, with manager Xavi often utilising centre-halves such as Ronald Araujo or Jules Kounde out of position.

Cancelo could solve their problems in one fell swoop and per Galletti, talks between Barca and Cancelo as well as between Barca and Man City are taking place.

Outgoings will first be required, though the recent news Barcelona will be allowed to compete in next year’s Champions League will embolden them to spend before the window slams shut.

The club had been under investigation regarding alleged payments to companies owned by the former vice-president of Spain’s referees committee between 2001 and 2018. Regardless, Barcelona have been provisionally accepted into next year’s UCL.

El Futbolero also added their take to a potential Cancelo to Barcelona switch. They state Man City value Cancelo around the €50m (approx. £43m) mark.

However, given they echoed Galletti’s claims that Guardiola wants to sever ties with the player without delay, a deal could potentially be struck for less.

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