Veteran defender ready to stand firm against club to force Barcelona move | OneFootball

Barcelona’s transfer moves have taken a back seat since the beginning of the FIFA World Cup, mostly because most of their targets are actively participating in the international event.

One such player whose future they will continue to negotiate after the event is Joao Cancelo, for the player excelled on loan last season and has convinced the club to go after his permanent signing.

The Catalans have an agreement with Cancelo over his permanent transfer for two seasons and there is no hurry over taking it forward.

What is clear, however, is that Al-Hilal’s stubbornness on making a profit will be the big hurdle.

Cancelo’s firm stance

As reported by SPORT in a recent report, Barcelona have transmitted confidence to Cancelo over his transfer and are willing to wait to see how his transfer saga unfolds before considering any alternate targets.

Cancelo is intent on joining Barcelona permanently. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)

The Portuguese defender, for his part, has conveyed to the Saudi Arabia-based club that he is committed to doing everything necessary to force a departure and that he has no intention of continuing there. He has, thus, asked them to negotiate with Barcelona.

After the FIFA World Cup, Cancelo is willing to stand firm until an agreement is reached between Al-Hilal and Barcelona. 

The Asian side are looking to make some financial gain through his departure especially given how they invested €20 million in him just two years ago.

As matters stand, they are said to be demanding a fee of close to €10 million and refuse to budge on that number. The wait, however, is for the World Cup to end so both parties can negotiate a middle ground.

Unwavering commitment

Cancelo ready to take a stand. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)

Over the years, Joao Cancelo has always shown a special affection towards Barcelona and has also made that clear in his media interactions.

Back when he was a Manchester City player and left to join Barcelona on loan, he took a big cut on his salary to make it happen.

Even when he arrived on loan last winter, he had economically superior offers including from Inter Milan which he did not consider to sign for Barcelona.

Keeping his commitment in mind, the Catalans also do not wish to go back on their word of rewarding his performances. All efforts, thus, will be made to keep him in June.