Barcelona are already mapping out their summer plans.
The club are keen to avoid another season of uncertainty at the back, especially with several positions still lacking long-term clarity heading into the next window.
Recruitment decisions are expected to be influenced not only by finances but also by player preferences, squad balance and managerial vision under Hansi Flick.
One of the biggest dilemmas currently facing the club revolves around Joao Cancelo, whose future at the Camp Nou remains unresolved despite strong internal support for his stay.
Flick has already approved the idea of keeping the Portuguese full-back, while Cancelo himself is eager to continue his spell in Spain after settling into the system since arriving from Al-Hilal on loan.
However, the situation is far from straightforward due to the firm stance taken by his parent club, Al-Hilal.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Al-Hilal are unwilling to enter negotiations until the Saudi Pro League season concludes at the end of May 2026, effectively delaying any potential breakthrough in talks.
The Saudi side are also not open to extending Cancelo’s loan as a goodwill gesture, instead preferring either to reintegrate him into their squad or secure a permanent sale.
Their final decision may hinge on internal discussions, particularly surrounding the future of head coach Simone Inzaghi and the direction he recommends to the board.
If the coaching staff decide to keep Joao Cancelo, Al-Hilal are expected to push for his return, though the player is reportedly reluctant after being left frustrated by previous decisions made during his time at the club.
Should he refuse to go back, a transfer becomes the most likely outcome, with Barcelona among the frontrunners alongside other European clubs.
Al-Hilal initially paid Manchester City around €25 million for Cancelo in 2024, and are now believed to value him at roughly €15 million, although that figure could increase depending on demand.
Creative solutions have also been explored, including the possibility of involving players in the deal, with Marc Casado mentioned as a potential option, although he is not currently open to such a move.
Barcelona’s strongest leverage remains Cancelo’s own desire to stay, with agent Jorge Mendes expected to play a central role in negotiating a compromise between all parties.
With multiple moving parts and firm positions on each side, this is shaping up to be one of the more complicated transfer sagas of the summer for the Catalan giants.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
