Hansi Flick says Barcelona are close to loaning Joao Cancelo

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has said the club are closing in on a loan deal to re-sign Joao Cancelo, Goal reported.

Cancelo spent the 2023-24 season at Barcelona after being forced out of the first-team picture at Manchester City, but Barca declined the option to sign him permanently. He is currently contracted to Al-Hilal following a permanent move in summer 2024 and is hoping to return to Europe this January; Inter had shown interest but he favoured a return to Barcelona. Flick said he and sporting director Deco initially discussed signing a centre-back to replace Andreas Christensen after his ACL injury, but felt the opportunity to bring back Cancelo — who "can play on both sides" and would be "another option for the offence" — made more sense, adding "it's not done, but I'd be happy if it goes through."

Araujo is in contention to play again after taking a mental health break during December, and Barcelona travel to Saudi Arabia this week for a Spanish Super Cup semi-final with Athletic Club. There are concerns over Lamine Yamal's fitness after he missed an open training session and Catalan outlets SPORT and Mundo Deportivo report he has been on an individual, gym-focused regime. Barcelona return to La Liga on January 18 at Real Sociedad and hope to have Cancelo registered and ready for that match.

Key Topics

Sports, Joao Cancelo, Hansi Flick, Barcelona, Al-hilal, Spanish Super Cup