Factors complicating Joao Cancelo's return to Barcelona

The possibility of signing a defender in January seems to generate consensus at **FC Barcelona**. The absence of Andreas Christensen opens the door for the arrival of a winter reinforcement, but neither the board nor the Barça coaching staff are clear about what the best option would be for the culé defense for the second half of the season. One of the names that is being mentioned with the most force is that of **Joao Cancelo**

The Portuguese player, although he has a contract until 2027, will go on loan from Al Hilal in January. The Italian coach Simone Inzaghi does not count on the 31-year-old full-back, who already spent a season on loan at Barça (23/24) and has barely played 6 games (469 minutes) for the Saudi team so far in 25/26

Cancelo has expressed to his agent, Jorge Mendes, his desire to return to the Blaugrana team, although he would arrive to be a substitute for Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde. Hansi Flick maintains full confidence in the Frenchman and the Portuguese player, with Eric García and Gerard Martín being the available replacements for both flanks.

Flick not convinced by Cancelo signing

In that regard, the Barça coach believes that, as far as the winter market is concerned, the ideal would be to sign another center-back, as the wings are well covered at the moment. The problem is that **both Eric and Gerard have established themselves in alternative positions** (defensive midfielder and center-back) and, if Koundé or Balde suffer any physical problems, they will have to return to the wings.

However, Flick would prefer to go for another center-back for the central defense, where for the moment the only undisputed starter is Pau Cubarsí. Ronald Araujo only returned to training after the new year and still has a lot of work to do to regain his best form.

With Christensen injured for around four months, it would be very risky to face the rest of the 25/26 season without another reliable alternative at center-back. Joao Cancelo would be a valuable reinforcement thanks to **his versatility to play as a full-back on both sides** and would allow Koundé and Balde to get more rest.

Beyond this factor, there is another significant obstacle that complicates the return of the player from Barreiro to Barça. One that also influenced the Catalans' options to negotiate his transfer in the summer of 2024, when **Manchester City** finally sold him to Al Hilal for €25 million.

Joao Cancelo's Salary Takes Him Away from Barcelona

Joao Cancelo signed with Al Hilal for three seasons with a very high salary: 15 million net per year. The Saudi club would agree to cover around 50% of his wages to facilitate his departure in January, but Barça, still freeing up salary cap space thanks to Christensen's absence, would have difficulties making room for the Portuguese full-back at this time

The loan would be straightforward, with no option to buy, but **it would cost the Catalans around 4 million**. A high figure for a player who, while he could be a valuable replacement, also runs the risk of playing little in the decisive stretch of 25/26.

Another interesting option for Cancelo, who is determined to return to Europe, would be to sign for Inter Milan. The Portuguese player also spent a season on loan with the 'nerazzurri' (17/18), scoring 1 goal and providing 4 assists in 28 games. Finally, Juventus ended up signing him in the summer of 2018 for €40 million. A year later, City paid €65 million for his transfer.

In Barcelona, Joao **played 45 games in which he scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists** under Xavi Hernández in the 23/24 season, the Catalan's last on the azulgrana bench. The defender has shown several gestures of affection towards the club since his departure, but it is unlikely he will manage to return this month.