One of the main focuses for Hansi Flick's coaching staff ahead of next season is the right-back position. Jules Koundé has been responsible for covering that position during much of the past few seasons, despite it not being his natural role. Although the Frenchman has performed reliably, the club considers it a priority to bring in a specific profile that can offer him rest and real competition.
The intention is to provide the team with more tactical alternatives without overloading Koundé or forcing him to play outside his ideal area. With a demanding schedule ahead and multiple challenges on the horizon, Flick has requested to strengthen the flanks of the defense. With this in mind, the profile the coach and his staff want is quite clear: experience, offensive ability, and a lot of versatility.
A star offers himself
In this scenario, in recent days the name of Joao Cancelo has appeared on Barça's radar. The Portuguese full-back, currently at Saudi Al-Hilal, has directly offered himself to Joan Laporta and Deco with the goal of returning to the blaugrana club through Jorge Mendes. Joao Cancelo keeps a very close relationship with FC Barcelona after his loan a couple of seasons ago, and he has made it clear that his desire is to be a culé again.
Meanwhile, Flick has given his approval as long as certain financial conditions are met that don't put the club at risk. For the coaching staff, Cancelo is a profile that fits perfectly with the idea of the new Barça: he can play on both flanks, brings offensive depth, and knows the locker room environment. Therefore, the club is seriously considering his return as a possible fourth signing of the summer, after the already agreed arrivals of Joan García and Roony Bardghji.
Manageable conditions, salary challenge
According to recent reports, those in Saudi Arabia wouldn't put up too many obstacles. Al-Hilal would be willing to negotiate a departure for an amount close to €10-15 million (about $10.9-16.3 million USD). This is a manageable amount for Barça, which is still looking to strengthen key areas without compromising its finances.
The most complex part is the salary: Cancelo currently earns more than €15 million gross per season (about $16.3 million USD). Even so, the player himself would be willing to significantly lower his salary in order to return to Europe and, especially, to Barça. His willingness has been well received by the sporting department, which is studying how to fit this operation in without disrupting Financial Fair Play.
There is consensus in Barça's offices about the priority: register Nico Williams, finalize the necessary departures, then move forward with specific operations like Cancelo's. The departure of Ansu Fati, as well as the possible exits of Oriol Romeu or even Ter Stegen, could make it easier to fit the Portuguese full-back in financially. The goal is to reach preseason, which starts in July, with as many pieces in place as possible.