Al Hilal has efficiently attracted prime European expertise lately, headlined by Neymar’s high-profile transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Nonetheless, stories counsel that one among their key gamers is eager on a return to Barcelona to play below coach Hansi Flick.
After falling out with Pep Guardiola at Manchester Metropolis, Joao Cancelo struggled to determine himself in Europe, with transient stints at Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Regardless of his brief time at Barça in the course of the 2023-24 season, Cancelo discovered consolation each on and off the pitch, growing a powerful affinity for the membership.
In line with the Spanish outlet Sport, Cancelo could be keen to do no matter it takes to return to Barcelona, absolutely conscious that the membership supplies the perfect surroundings for him to showcase his greatest soccer. Moreover, Spain ended up being the proper him, not just for his enjoying fashion, however for his household’s happiness, who have been actually snug.
Al Hilal spent round €25M in August to signal Cancelo, doubling his wage in comparison with the one he had with Metropolis. However Barcelona could be the only real choice for him to depart the Saudi Arabian aspect, 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 led to 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 inconceivable. Cancelo, represented by his agent Jorge Mendes, waited till the final second for Barca to finalize a deal, however the membership in the end couldn’t meet Metropolis’s calls for.
Regardless of enjoying 42 matches and contributing 4 targets and 5 assists throughout his mortgage, Barcelona’s wage cap points prevented the transfer amid and ongoing restructuring below new coach Hansi Flick. Each the coach and Sport director Deco have been reportedly desirous to safe Cancelo’s companies, however was hamstrung by the membership’s monetary restrictions.
Although Cancelo has thrived at Al Hilal, establishing himself as an everyday 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 centered on strengthening the full-back positions, making Cancelo a logical goal if a possible answer might be discovered. For now, whereas the dream of a return lingers, it stays simply that—a dream.
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