Amid a full squad restructuring, FC Barcelona has decided to bring back a familiar face to strengthen its defense. This is a profile with experience, versatility, and a hunger for redemption, who wasn't in the initial plans. However, the sporting management has identified a perfect opportunity both athletically and financially.
President Joan Laporta has backed the idea after receiving positive reports from Deco and Hansi Flick. The German coach believes the player can fit perfectly as a complement within a very young squad. He isn't coming to be a starter, but to add leadership, maturity, and depth to the bench.
A return with tactical and financial sense
The player, currently at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, is going through a great moment at the Club World Cup. There, he has shown that he is in top physical shape and has a completely different attitude from his previous stint. This evolution has been key for the club to seriously consider his return.
In his first spell at Barça, he showed flashes of quality, but also left doubts in important matches. His high salary and some internal issues prevented him from staying permanently after his loan. Even so, he left a mark in the locker room, where he still keeps friends and support.
Now he returns with a different approach, willing to adapt to a secondary role with less demand for prominence. He has significantly reduced his financial demands, something that has convinced the sporting leadership. That humility and maturity are seen as signs of personal growth.
Deco has led the talks with the player's camp for weeks. Their relationship has been excellent since previous negotiations, and that has made every step of the process easier. Jorge Mendes, the footballer's agent, has also been key in speeding up the agreement.
Flick gives the green light as a rotation piece
Hansi Flick has given the green light to the signing, although he doesn't see him as a regular starter in his system. He considers him an ideal solution for rotation moments or demanding matches where international experience is needed. In a group with young profiles, he needs veterans who know how to handle pressure.
Moreover, his versatility allows him to cover both right and left back positions. He will be able to give rest to players like Jules Koundé or Alejandro Balde, without lowering the competitive level. Flick especially values that ability to adapt without compromising the system.
Manchester City has agreed to transfer him for a symbolic fee close to €10 million. Pep Guardiola doesn't count on him, and freeing up his salary is a priority for the English club's management. For Barça, this operation represents a rarity: a useful and affordable reinforcement.
The deal is in its final stage and only contractual details remain to be finalized. The arrival would be immediate, allowing him to join before the official start of preseason. The intention is to integrate him as soon as possible so he can take on his new role within the group.
Return with unfinished business
The main character is none other than João Cancelo, the 31-year-old Portuguese full-back, who returns to Barça with a different mindset. After a year in Saudi Arabia, he has understood the value of playing for a top-level club. He has directly offered himself to the club, showing an irreproachable attitude.
Cancelo played 36 matches this past season, with two goals and eleven assists in all competitions. His performance has been high, but the most important thing has been the change in his attitude and commitment. He knows he won't be undisputed, but he wants to contribute through his experience.
In the blaugrana locker room, several players have pushed for his return to be completed. His adaptation in the previous stint was quick and caused a good internal atmosphere, something Flick values greatly. Moreover, his performance at the Club World Cup has reinforced the decision.
If there are no setbacks, João Cancelo will return to Camp Nou in the coming days. It will be a quiet signing, but with a lot of sporting sense for this Barça under construction. At his age, and with a more discreet role, he still has a lot to contribute to the team.