According to reports, Barcelona are not happy with how Man. City dealt with them during the transfer window, particularly with Joao Cancelo’s deal.
The saga began with Barcelona securing a pre-contract agreement with Manchester City’s then-captain, Ilkay Gundogan. This deal marked Barcelona’s first signing of the transfer window and hinted at the intentions of both clubs to be active in the market. Talks extended to players like Joao Cancelo, who ultimately joined Barcelona on loan, and Bernardo Silva. However, despite these transactions, tensions simmered beneath the surface.
Reports suggest that Barca was far from pleased with Manchester City’s approach during negotiations. The Catalan club felt that the English side displayed a poor attitude throughout the process, leaving a sour taste. This discord wasn’t entirely unexpected, as relations had already soured in January when Barca pursued Cancelo. The Spanish champions alleged that Manchester City intentionally prevented Cancelo from moving, despite the player’s desires. Manchester City vehemently denied these claims.
Further fueling the friction, Barca accused Manchester City of attempting to poach some of their brightest young talents, including Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde, and Pau Cubarsi. However, it appears these efforts were in vain, as these prospects remained with Barcelona.
The connection between Barcelona and Manchester City is notably embodied by Pep Guardiola, a legendary figure at both clubs. Guardiola’s successful coaching stints at both institutions add an extra layer of complexity to this rivalry.
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