Joao Cancelo Offers Himself to Barcelona: Hansi Flick Responds

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is exploring options to strengthen his defense during the January transfer window. One potential candidate is João Cancelo, who has expressed interest in returning to the club. However, it remains uncertain whether he is Flick’s top choice.

João Cancelo’s Situation

João Cancelo, a Portuguese right-back, previously played on loan at Barcelona during the 2023-24 season. After that, he joined Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, where he has spent almost 18 months. Reports indicate Cancelo is dissatisfied with his situation in Saudi Arabia and is eager for a return to Europe.

Barcelona’s Defensive Needs

Barcelona is currently assessing its defensive lineup, especially following an injury to Andreas Christensen. Flick confirmed the need for additional defensive cover, stating, “We’re not ready right now… but we need one more player.”

Transfer Window Considerations

The club has until January 14 to submit Christensen’s medical report to La Liga. Appropriately managing this will allow Barcelona to utilize up to 80% of Christensen’s salary for a new signing, similar to the method used for registering Joan García earlier this season.

Flick’s Perspective on Cancelo

• Cancelo is seen as an option for Barcelona, but Flick may prefer looking for a specialized center-back.
• While Cancelo can play fullback, he does not directly replace Christensen, who plays centrally.
• Adapting the defense to include Cancelo may cause further reshuffling that the team might want to avoid.

Conclusion

The situation regarding João Cancelo and his potential move back to Barcelona is fluid. As the January transfer window approaches, Barcelona will evaluate its options carefully. The club aims to make decisions that enhance its overall defense while adhering to logistical constraints.