Barcelona on-loan star not too optimistic about securing permanent transfer | OneFootball

Joao Cancelo’s second stint at Barcelona has been more about realism than fanfare, as the right-back has hardly impressed since joining the club on a loan deal in January.

A month into his spell at Barcelona, the Portuguese international has not been able to win the trust of Hansi Flick, producing a few indifferent performances here and there.

This is not too surprising considering Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco brought Cancelo back to provide much-needed depth on both defensive flanks, particularly to relieve Jules Kounde, who has shown signs of mental and physical fatigue this season.

Cancelo not optimistic about Barcelona future

According to SPORT, Cancelo is maintaining a low profile and avoiding media interviews, conscious that his stay could end as early as this summer.

Despite sacrificing significant financial terms to leave Saudi Arabia and fulfil his dream of wearing the Blaugrana colours again, he is not optimistic about securing a permanent move.

Cancelo is yet to adapt to Hansi Flick’s high line of press. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The fact that he is only here until the end of the season doesn’t help matters either, while the defender has also failed to impress Flick in his first few outings.

Indeed, Cancelo has struggled to adapt to Flick’s system, which demands high defensive lines and aggressive pressing. His performances, in fact, are being described as unremarkable.

A notable blemish occurred against Albacete, where an early, unnecessary yellow card forced Flick to substitute him at halftime.

While his technical and offensive quality is world-class, Cancelo must urgently address the defensive weaknesses carried over from his first stint if he hopes to change the current narrative of being a mere stopgap solution.