Barcelona Push to Bring Back João Cancelo in €15M Summer Deal

Barcelona are keen on re-signing João Cancelo on a permanent deal, with talks already underway between the Catalan giants and Manchester City.

The Portuguese defender spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Barça, where he showcased his versatility and attacking qualities from the full-back positions.

Deco, the club’s sporting director, views Cancelo as an ideal addition to the squad, particularly as Barcelona looks to strengthen its defensive structure under new head coach Hansi Flick.

Cancelo’s ability to play both as a right-back and left-back makes him an invaluable option, especially for a team that often lacks consistency in the full-back roles.

The proposed transfer fee is believed to be around €15 million, a figure that reflects both Cancelo’s experience and the current market conditions. Given the financial constraints Barcelona faces, this price is seen as manageable, provided they can navigate La Liga’s strict salary cap regulations.

João Cancelo impressed during his loan spell, playing a crucial role in many of Barcelona’s big games. His technical ability, composure on the ball, and attacking drive helped add a different dimension to Barça’s build-up play. He often served as an extra playmaker from deep, something Deco and Flick reportedly value highly.

Despite the team’s turbulent season, Cancelo remained one of the more consistent performers. His chemistry with the likes of Ilkay Gündogan and Lamine Yamal on the right flank stood out, providing width and link-up play that unlocked stubborn defenses. Fans and coaching staff alike appreciated his contribution.

Manchester City appear open to parting ways with Cancelo, especially after his relationship with Pep Guardiola deteriorated in early 2023. Following loan spells at Bayern Munich and Barcelona, it’s clear that his long-term future lies away from the Etihad Stadium.

Barcelona’s decision to pursue Cancelo permanently reflects a strategic shift. Instead of relying solely on La Masia graduates or low-cost short-term fixes, the club is now prioritizing players who can make an immediate impact while still fitting the club’s playing philosophy.

Deco’s admiration for Cancelo isn’t new. He has reportedly been pushing internally for the club to act quickly, believing the player’s market value and experience make him a smart investment. With Flick expected to demand high energy and tactical discipline, Cancelo’s experience in elite-level football is considered a huge asset.

The timing of the deal is also crucial. Barcelona are aiming to complete their priority signings early in the summer to give Flick adequate time to work with the squad during pre-season. Securing Cancelo would offer some much-needed clarity in defense ahead of the new campaign.

João Cancelo himself has expressed a strong desire to stay in Barcelona. He previously stated how comfortable he felt at the club and in the city, and that feeling could play a significant role in pushing the deal through. Player willingness can often be the key to finalizing such transfers smoothly.

One of the key hurdles for Barcelona will be Financial Fair Play. Any move for Cancelo will need to align with La Liga’s salary limit regulations, which have historically proven difficult for the club to manage. Departures and wage cuts may be necessary to accommodate new signings like Cancelo.If the deal goes through, Cancelo could become one of Flick’s most important players.

The German manager is known for utilizing full-backs in dynamic roles, both in attack and defense, and Cancelo’s adaptability fits that mold perfectly. It would also free up other defenders to focus on more central roles.Bringing Cancelo back would also offer continuity for a squad undergoing another summer of transition.

Rather than starting from scratch with a new full-back, Barcelona would be retaining a player who already understands the system and has built rapport with his teammates.

From a financial standpoint, the €15 million fee represents good value for a player of Cancelo’s caliber. In today’s market, full-backs with top-level experience in the Premier League, Bundesliga, and La Liga are rarely available at such a price. It’s a move that could pay off in both the short and long term.While nothing is finalized yet, the signs are promising.

Negotiations are reportedly progressing, and all parties appear willing to make it happen. For Barcelona, securing João Cancelo on a permanent deal could be one of the smartest moves they make this summer.