Barcelona Pursues João Cancelo Return Amid Defensive Needs

omidbasir- Barcelona is actively exploring the possibility of re-signing Portuguese international João Cancelo during the January transfer window, according to a source confirmed by ESPN.

The club has engaged in initial discussions with Cancelo’s current team, Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, as well as with the player’s representatives. The motivation behind this move stems from coach Hansi Flick’s request for additional defensive support this month.

Current negotiations are centered on the financial structure of the deal, with LaLiga leaders favoring a loan arrangement that would involve covering a portion of Cancelo’s salary for the duration of the loan.

At 31, Cancelo spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Barcelona from Manchester City, where he made 42 appearances across all competitions and scored four goals. He subsequently transferred to Al Hilal in the summer of 2024, signing a contract with the Saudi club that extends until 2027.

Reports indicate that Cancelo is receptive to a return to European football, with interest also emerging from his former club, Inter Milan.

Coach Flick expressed optimism last week regarding the addition of another defender to the squad in January, particularly after losing Andreas Christensen to an ACL injury that will sideline him for the next four months.

Additionally, Ronald Araújo has been unavailable since November due to a mental health break, which has resulted in teenagers Pau Cubarsí and converted left-back Gerard Martín forming the primary center-back pairing in recent weeks.

Acquiring Cancelo would enhance depth in the full-back positions and could potentially allow Jules Koundé, who has predominantly played as a right-back during his time at Barcelona, to revert to his preferred position in central defense. Throughout his career, Cancelo has demonstrated versatility, excelling as both a right and left-sided full-back and even pushing further up the pitch when necessary.