Barcelona given boost as club lower demands for defensive target | OneFootball

Barcelona look to be prioritising their attack in the summer transfer window, as exemplified by their early move for Anthony Gordon. By all accounts, there is only one defensive signing that is on the horizon, at least before any sales are made, but that deal is likely to be a tricky negotiation too.

Arriving on loan in January, Joao Cancelo had barely played for Al-Hilal all season, in part due to injury, and subsequently he was left out of their squad. Despite a shaky start, and a disappointing loan spell two years prior, Cancelo surpassed expectations. In the final three months of the season, Cancelo won the battle for the left-back spot with Alejandro Balde, becoming the undisputed starter.

Al-Hilal lower demands for Joao Cancelo

Despite the fact it seems as if his time in Saudi football, at least with Al-Hilal, is up, and the fact that he only has a year remaining on his contract, it was not expected to be easy for Barcelona to make his deal permanent. Although they have agent Jorge Mendes to broker the deal, for some time it has been reported that Al-Hilal will demand €15m for Cancelo’s signature.

Nevertheless, MD report that Cancelo is happy at Barcelona, and it is a matter of when he leaves not if. Yet their information claims that Al-Hilal are no longer demanding a €15m fee, and it seems the door is open for negotiation. Barcelona are keen to bring him back, but were not looking to meet that price tag.

Cancelo will compete for starting spot next season

Barcelona have been linked with left-back Marc Cucurella this summer too, but it seems that will only happen in the event that Jules Kounde or Balde are sold. In the event it is Kounde, it is not clear if Barcelona would look to sign another right-back, or return Cancelo to the right flank. Either way, that is several hypotheses down the line, and Cancelo seems on course to be part of Flick’s squad as things stand.