Al Hilal has efficiently attracted high European expertise lately, headlined by Neymar’s high-profile transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Nonetheless, stories counsel that certainly one of their key gamers is eager on a return to Barcelona to play beneath coach Hansi Flick.
After falling out with Pep Guardiola at Manchester Metropolis, Joao Cancelo struggled to ascertain himself in Europe, with transient stints at Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Regardless of his brief time at Barça throughout the 2023-24 season, Cancelo discovered consolation each on and off the pitch, creating a robust affinity for the membership.
In keeping with the Spanish outlet Sport, Cancelo can be prepared to do no matter it takes to return to Barcelona, absolutely conscious that the membership offers the best setting for him to showcase his finest soccer. In addition to, Spain ended up being the right him, not just for his enjoying fashion, however for his household’s happiness, who have been actually comfy.
Al Hilal spent round €25M in August to signal Cancelo, doubling his wage in comparison with the one he had with Metropolis. However Barcelona can be the only choice for him to go away the Saudi Arabian facet, the place he established himself as a starter, scoring 1 objective and delivering 8 assists in 19 video games within the present season.
Barcelona’s monetary challenges in pursuing Cancelo
After Cancelo’s mortgage spell at Barcelona resulted in June 2024, the Catalan membership tried to barter an extension. Nonetheless, monetary constraints and Manchester Metropolis’s insistence on a everlasting switch made the deal unattainable. Cancelo, represented by his agent Jorge Mendes, waited till the final second for Barca to finalize a deal, however the membership finally couldn’t meet Metropolis’s calls for.
Regardless of enjoying 42 matches and contributing 4 objectives and 5 assists throughout his mortgage, Barcelona’s wage cap points prevented the transfer amid and ongoing restructuring beneath new coach Hansi Flick. Each the coach and Sport director Deco have been reportedly wanting to safe Cancelo’s companies, however was hamstrung by the membership’s monetary restrictions.
Although Cancelo has thrived at Al Hilal, establishing himself as a daily starter, stories point out he stays open to a return to Barcelona. Nonetheless, any potential deal would require overcoming vital monetary hurdles.
Flick and Deco are each targeted on strengthening the full-back positions, making Cancelo a logical goal if a possible answer will be discovered. For now, whereas the dream of a return lingers, it stays simply that—a dream.
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