FC Barcelona have already made an important decision ahead of next summer. Hansi Flick has approved the idea of keeping João Cancelo, convinced that his performances and his versatility make him a very useful piece inside the squad.
What looked a few months ago like a short-term market opportunity has now become a much clearer commitment. The German coach has gone from prioritising other profiles to seeing the Portuguese defender as a key option on both flanks.
The situation has changed completely. Cancelo has convinced the coaching staff, and Barça are already working on a formula to keep him beyond June.
But there is one major issue that changes everything.
The condition that decides everything
Barcelona are very clear about their position: Cancelo will only stay if he arrives on a free transfer.
The full-back currently belongs to Al Hilal, the club that signed him in 2024 for around €25 million, and he still has one year left on his contract. That is why the whole move depends on the player managing to leave without Barça having to pay a transfer fee.
Inside the club, there is no intention of paying for the deal. The operation only makes sense if it can be completed at zero cost and with a salary that fits Barça’s current financial reality.
And that is where the biggest sacrifice would have to come from the Portuguese defender himself.
Cancelo would have to give up a lot of money
At the moment, Cancelo earns more than €12 million net per season in Saudi Arabia, a figure that is completely out of Barcelona’s reach.
If he wants to stay at Camp Nou, he will need to accept a very significant salary reduction. It would not be the first time he has done it either. He already made a financial effort in his previous spell in order to wear the Barça shirt.
Inside the club, that commitment is highly valued. Cancelo has always shown a strong desire to play for Barcelona and has repeatedly placed the sporting project ahead of the financial side.
As compensation, Barça would be willing to offer him a two-year contract, which would be a clear sign of confidence in his level and his importance for the squad.
Flick has found a key tactical wildcard
The German coach has ended up delighted with Cancelo’s contribution. He has not only performed well, but also offered solutions in very different situations throughout the season.
He has played on both sides of the defence, especially on the left because of the physical problems suffered by Alejandro Balde, and he has adapted naturally to the system.
His attacking ability, his forward runs and his versatility have been decisive in convincing Flick.
He also adds value inside the dressing room. Cancelo is experienced, fully integrated and understands the team’s style perfectly, which gives him even more weight inside the project.
If Cancelo fails, Barça already have a Plan B
Despite the optimism, Barcelona are not leaving everything in his hands. If Cancelo fails to secure his release or does not accept the financial conditions, the club already have other options in mind.
The sporting department are still exploring the full-back market, and names such as Álex Grimaldo have reappeared as genuine alternatives.
Even so, the priority is very clear. Flick wants Cancelo, and the club do too.
Now everything depends on one decisive step away from the pitch. Because if the Portuguese defender manages to free himself and accepts the economic effort Barça are asking from him, his continuity at the club will be very close to becoming reality.
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