FC Barcelona is poised for a bold transfer coup as a familiar star pushes for a return to Camp Nou under Hansi Flick.
With aspirations to reclaim a European title, Barcelona has worked to address areas of the squad that need addressing, particularly on the defensive side of the pitch, where they require experience and versatility.
Flick demands players in a high-pressing, dynamic system to be able to play across multiple positions, and Deco, the club’s sporting director, is working within LaLiga’s regulations to find budget-friendly signings that fit the vision of the club.
The priority of the plans is João Cancelo, the Portuguese full-back now at Al-Hilal, who has reportedly offered himself to the club to make a return to Barcelona, as reported by Fichajes.
Cancelo enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Barcelona in the 2023-24 season from Manchester City, making 42 appearances and impressing with his attacking ability and positional interchangeability.
He elaborated on his emotions in comments made after Al-Hilal’s draw with Real Madrid, saying, “I’m a Barça fan, I love Barcelona.”
According to sources, Cancelo is also willing to take a huge cut to his €15.3 million salary to engineer the move.
Assuming a fee of €10 million, he may be a useful and attractive option.
Spain’s financial situation means that strategic sales are required, with players like Ansu Fati or Andreas Christensen perhaps going the other way to free wages.
Cancelo’s return would add quality to an area where fitness has depended on Jules Koundé and add competition.
Flick looks at Cancelo as part of his 4-2-3-1 system and gives depth to prepare for a demanding season.
Barca fans aching for his return to Camp Nou would be glued to the news as negotiations and transfers unfold.
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