Barcelona dressing room backs Cancelo, club ‘to seek’ Al-Hilal solution | OneFootball

Barcelona’s dressing room and Hansi Flick are united in wanting João Cancelo to remain next season after his standout winter arrival.

According to Sport, after the recent win over Atlético, Cancelo finished exhausted with cramps and sat on the pitch. Team-mates approached one by one to congratulate him and celebrate a result they believed left them halfway to the title, underlining the success of the winter move and calls for him to stay.

He arrived in January as a stop-gap, with Flick initially seeking a centre-back to cover Christensen’s absence. Doubts over alternatives saw Deco propose Cancelo, a deal that fit within the wage budget.

Signed to rotate on the flanks, he quickly became first-choice at left-back, helped by Balde’s reduced minutes and subsequent injury. Against Atlético he produced an assist, plus rare defensive discipline and concentration in a physically and technically demanding match.

He created three clear chances, played five key passes and attempted more than 70 passes. Defensively, he made seven recoveries and five crucial tackles to thwart Real Madrid’s attacks.

Flick will keep trusting him until season’s end, a call that could shape the summer. Barcelona could try to extend his stay while waiting to secure a free transfer from Saudi club Al-Hilal in June, and Balde’s sidelining could open the door to offers if the money is right.

Cancelo has spoken of a wish to return to Benfica one day, yet also of wanting at least one more year with Barcelona. With interest aligned, any continuation would hinge on reaching terms with Al-Hilal.

Source: Goal.com