FC Barcelona has already begun planning for next season, and one of the names currently on the table is João Cancelo. The Portuguese full-back, who joined during the winter transfer window, has quickly become a useful option for coach Hansi Flick.
Inside the club’s offices, the possibility of keeping the defender beyond the current campaign is now being studied seriously. According to reports from sources close to the club, sporting director Deco is already exploring formulas that could allow Cancelo to remain at the Spotify Camp Nou next season.
However, the operation depends on a key factor: the player’s salary.
An unexpected signing that could become permanent
Cancelo’s arrival in January surprised many around the club. Barcelona took advantage of what they considered a market opportunity to sign a defender with international experience who could strengthen the squad during a complicated moment of the season.
The Portuguese player joined on loan from Al-Hilal, the club he had joined after leaving Manchester City.
In just a few weeks, Cancelo has shown he can offer solutions in several defensive positions.
Flick values his versatility
The coaching staff has been satisfied with the defender’s performances so far. Flick particularly appreciates Cancelo’s ability to play both at right-back and left-back, something extremely useful for a team that has struggled with injuries in defense.
The Portuguese international also brings technical quality, experience at the highest level and the ability to contribute to the team’s attacking play.
For that reason, within the club there is growing openness to turning his temporary stay into a permanent deal.
The salary remains the main obstacle
The biggest challenge for Barcelona is financial. Cancelo still earns a very high salary inherited from his time in English and Saudi football, a figure that is difficult for the club to absorb under its current economic restrictions.
As explained by Sport, Barcelona would only consider signing him permanently if the player agrees to a significant reduction in wages.
In that scenario, the operation could even be completed without a transfer fee if Cancelo manages to terminate his current contract.
Deco studies different scenarios
The sporting department is currently evaluating different possibilities to make the deal happen. Inside the club, there is belief that Cancelo feels comfortable in Barcelona and could be willing to adjust his financial demands to remain part of the project.
If that happens, the Portuguese defender could become a stable long-term solution for the team’s full-back positions.
For now, no final decision has been made. But according to Sport, Barcelona are closely monitoring his contractual situation while Deco continues working behind the scenes to potentially turn Cancelo’s arrival into a permanent signing if the economic conditions align.
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