At FC Barcelona, Joao Cancelo has started to perform at his best. The 31-year-old full-back has started to emerge as a key part of Hansi Flick’s plans after a rather sluggish start to his second tenure with the team after joining on loan from Al Hilal in January.
Cancelo has been a regular on the left side of the defence after Alejandro Balde’s injury because of Flick’s faith in him. On the right wing, where Jules Koundé has also been absent due to injury, he has also emerged as a valuable alternative. Cancelo’s current performance, according to SPORT, is intended to persuade Barcelona to convert his loan into a permanent deal.
The Portuguese international is extremely driven and conscious of the risks. He is more motivated to show that he is worthy of staying with Barça for the upcoming season because of his possible long-term future there. After two loans, Cancelo would finally have a clear route to join Barcelona permanently if his contract with Al Hilal could be cancelled. He is still bound to the team until 2027.
Barcelona mapping out permanent transfer for João Cancelo
Despite Inter Milan’s interest, Cancelo reduced his pay to finalise the transfer. According to reports, Barça’s stance is that they would only go for him if he could end his contract with the Saudi club and come as a free agent because there is no buy clause in the deal.
The team just won’t pay a transfer price, which is thought to be a non-negotiable requirement. A lower compensation would also be necessary for any long-term agreement, and the proposed two-year contract is said to be far less than what he was receiving in Saudi Arabia.
Cancelo is not currently thought of as a starter ahead of Alejandro Balde or Jules Koundé. He provides an alternative. He takes chances when in possession, slips inside, and joins midfield phases. That occasionally gives him room to move. He is a player who provides both profit and a certain amount of danger. He has both highs and lows. One such peak was the game versus Levante. Barcelona is wagering that there will be more highs than lows.
