Barcelona set to hold key internal meeting today decide on Joao Cancelo transfer | OneFootball

Barcelona are preparing to use their trip to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup not only as a sporting challenge, but also as a key moment to shape their January transfer strategy. 

According to a recent update from Mundo Deportivo, the club plan to go into detail over the potential signing of Joao Cancelo, a deal that is currently viewed internally as the most realistic option available this month.

Cancelo earns a salary of around €15 million net per season. Even though only half of that would apply for the remainder of the campaign, it remains an enormous figure for Barcelona’s current financial situation. 

However, the club is encouraged by the player’s clear willingness to make sacrifices. 

Cancelo has already shown in the past that he is ready to reduce his wages to play for Barcelona once again.

For Barcelona, there is only one viable formula, which is a loan move in which Al-Hilal continue to pay a significant portion of the player’s salary. 

Cancelo himself is pushing hard for a return to Camp Nou, but the final decision will depend on whether the Saudi club are prepared to cooperate, especially with Inter Milan also monitoring the situation closely.

So what now?

Joao Cancelo wants to return to Barcelona. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Barcelona’s leadership are well aware that Cancelo prioritises a return to the Blaugrana.

The idea is to assess the feasibility of the deal while the team is in Saudi Arabia, once the situation surrounding Andreas Christensen and his injury is clarified, potentially freeing up room under Financial Fair Play rules. 

From there, the sporting hierarchy must decide whether Cancelo is the reinforcement the squad needs most, or if resources should instead be directed towards signing a centre-back.

Cancelo is currently considered the most feasible option largely because of his determination to return and his familiarity with the club. 

Still, Flick’s approval will be decisive, as the coach must be convinced that the Portuguese defender fits his tactical plans.

Internally, Barcelona believe Cancelo could make an immediate impact thanks to his knowledge of the squad, while also raising competition levels in a team that still aims to compete for every trophy.