FC Barcelona is highly impressed with a €30m defender’s dazzling displays, eyeing a permanent deal to lock in their defensive gem.
With Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde stretched thin by injuries and fixture congestion, the Blaugrana seek stability on the flanks.
Club insiders haven’t shut the door on turning a mid-season coup into a permanent fixture, offering the player a golden window to prove his worth before summer.
Financial fair play constraints make smart retention key to Flick’s title push.
The player in question is João Cancelo, the Portuguese full-back who rejoined on loan from Al Hilal after limited minutes there.
Diario Sport reports Barcelona views his three-month stint as an audition—impress, secure release from Al Hilal, and earn a full Camp Nou contract.
Despite just 100 La Liga minutes so far as Koundé’s backup, Cancelo’s versatility across both flanks and elite passing (top-tier progressive carries) fit Flick’s high-line system perfectly.
His prior Barca spell showed quality, but form dips and competition stalled him—now’s his shot at redemption.
Cancelo faces pressure: Koundé’s dip offers opportunity, and summer full-back overhaul looms alongside striker and center-back hunts.
At 31, his experience trumps youth prospects, but minutes must follow strong training showings. Flick craves leaders post-recent slips, and Cancelo’s Champions League pedigree (ex-Man City, Bayern) could steady the backline exposed in big games.
Al Hilal’s cooperation hinges on his output.
This saga unfolds amid presidential election noise and salary cap battles. Retaining Cancelo avoids hefty fees, preserving budget for priorities like Julian Ryerson whispers.
His success transforms a loan gamble into squad bedrock—failing that, summer sales beckon.
Fans eye his Levante cameo after the 2-0 win; consistency unlocks permanence. Barcelona’s revival balances on such calculated risks.
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