Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Joao Cancelo could still have a future at the club after revealing there have been no enquiries for the Portugal defender.
Cancelo spent last season on loan at Barcelona, having been at Bayern Munich for the second half of the 2022-23 campaign after falling out of favour at City.
The 30-year-old had been Guardiola’s prototype inverted full-back but experienced a sudden reversal of fortunes with the Premier League champions just months after he signed a new contract, which is not due to expire until 2027.
With Barcelona not interested in taking Cancelo back to the Nou Camp, Guardiola faces having to bring the player City paid £60m for in 2019 back into the fold.
“He’s training with us,” said the City boss.
“We will see. Maybe he will stay, maybe he will go on loan. I don’t know yet.”
Asked if there had been any transfer enquiries for Cancelo, who was part of Portugal’s Euro 2024 squad this summer, Guardiola said: “No.”
He added: “About what’s going to happen, it depends on his agents and the club. In the end, if he has to stay we will treat him like all the other players, with respect, and try to take the best from the huge qualities he has.”
It remains to be seen if Cancelo is involved when City begin their quest to secure a fifth consecutive league title at Chelsea on Sunday.
Guardiola already knows influential midfielder Rodri will play no part.
Named player of the tournament in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, Rodri did not return to City until Wednesday after his summer break.
Guardiola revealed Rodri has yet to train with City’s main group after suffering a thigh injury during the first half of the Euros final victory against England.
“I think he feels good, but he has to return to training,” said Guardiola. “We will see when he starts to move his body how he feels.”
Bobb sidelined for up to four months
While Rodri’s absence is expected to be a short-term matter, Oscar Bobb is facing up to four months on the sidelines after fracturing a leg in a non-contact incident in training on Wednesday.
Norway international Bobb was due to have surgery in Barcelona on Friday.
The setback is a shame for the 21-year-old midfielder, whose pre-season performances had put him in line for some involvement at Stamford Bridge.
“Unfortunately, the injury had a big impact,” said Guardiola.
“We are so sad for him, but not because he made an amazing pre-season – it doesn’t matter about that. When the injury is long term, it is a problem.”