Cancelo puts pressure on Barcelona over transfer decision, willing to make financial sacrifice to return | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have had the option of signing Joao Cancelo on their table for more than a week. The full-back does not feature in Simone Inzaghi’s plans, and Al-Hilal are prepared to facilitate his departure on loan this transfer window.

Cancelo has offered himself to the Catalans for a return, but the club have not yet taken a decision and the player is now applying pressure, reports SPORT.

Cancelo pushing for a decision

Indeed, as per the report, the Portuguese international has asked Barcelona for guarantees that the transfer will be viable and is awaiting an immediate response from the club, as he does not want to waste time.

The 31-year-old right-back has another significant offer from Inter Milan and wants his future settled this very week.

Within Barcelona, the Cancelo option has come as a surprise and is being assessed. The Portuguese defender can help on both flanks, although he can hardly be used as a centre-back, and that is where doubts arise.

Manager Hansi Flick would prefer the arrival of a centre-back with international experience or a player with potential who has already played minutes in a major league. But the option of Cancelo has sparked an internal debate.

Barcelona are set to decide this week, with all options on the table, including Cancelo, who could represent an opportunity from a financial perspective.

Eager to return to Barcelona. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Cancelo earns a high salary at Al-Hilal, but the Saudi club are willing to cooperate, and he himself would also be prepared to give up part of his wages.

Cancelo’s urgency is driven by the ultimatum he has received from Inter Milan. The Italian club would be willing to take him on loan and would free up one of their centre-backs to move to Al-Hilal as part of the deal.

The operation is already advanced, pending Cancelo’s approval, who is waiting for Barcelona to make a move. Inter want to finalise the deal this week, or they will walk away from the signing.

Cancelo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is clear on the salary Barça could take on within their wage limit and believes the figures can be balanced.

Barcelona are also monitoring potential departures of centre-backs at other European clubs and believe that, in the final days of January, an interesting option could emerge both sporting and financially.

Flick and Deco will make a final decision on Cancelo in Saudi Arabia, where the Spanish Super Cup is being played and where the Portuguese full-back is currently based.