Barcelona ready to pay or swap player to sign Cancelo | OneFootball

Having joined FC Barcelona again in the last winter transfer window, the Portuguese fullback Joao Cancelo went on to become a highly important player for Hansi Flick in the second half of this season.

So much so that the Catalans are now keen to have him in their ranks beyond the current campaign, but for this purpose, they will have to arrive at an agreement with Al Hilal.

The Saudi side was willing to part ways with him for free some weeks ago, especially as the defender himself was open to waiving the final year of his contract, but the situation has changed significantly in recent weeks.

Cancelo’s impressive performances in Flick’s system have convinced Al Hilal that the defender has regained his value, and they are now demanding around €10 million to let him leave permanently.

The Blaugranes are still not willing to pay such a sum for the Portuguese international, but SPORT reports that they are now prepared to go all out in the summer to secure his continuity.

Negotiations between the two clubs are already underway, and the positions are gradually getting closer. Barcelona are now open to paying a smaller transfer fee or even including a player in the operation to reduce Cancelo’s cost.

One of the names that has reportedly been discussed internally is Marc Casado, although everything will ultimately depend on the midfielder’s own wishes and the offers he receives from other clubs.

The Catalans consider Cancelo’s continuity important not only from a sporting perspective but also because his arrival could facilitate a departure in the fullback department this summer.

Barcelona are expected to listen to offers for either Alejandro Balde or Jules Kounde, but first want to ensure that Flick retains one of his most trusted players for next season.

In fact, the German coach himself recently made his feelings about Cancelo quite clear. Sporting director Deco is also pushing strongly for the move after originally bringing Cancelo back to Barcelona.

Talks with Al Hilal are currently being handled through agent Jorge Mendes, although the difficult situation within the Saudi club is slowing negotiations somewhat. There is currently uncertainty surrounding the future of coach Simone Inzaghi, who was one of the main reasons Cancelo was allowed to leave in the first place.

Meanwhile, the player himself has no intention of returning to Saudi Arabia. Cancelo recently admitted that he felt “deceived” after not being registered to play in the league earlier in the season, a situation that could even have affected his chances of participating in the upcoming World Cup.

Barcelona already have a two-year agreement in place with Cancelo and now only need to arrive at a final understanding with Al Hilal to complete the operation. The Blaugranes are willing to offer compensation lower than the €10 million currently being demanded, and there remains optimism that an agreement can eventually be reached.