‘Joao Cancelo deal is not done’ – Barcelona manager Hansi Flick | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has commented that a deal to bring Joao Cancelo back to the club on loan is not yet finalised. The German coach also said that he was well aware of Cancelo’s strengths and weaknesses, hinting that he sees him more of an offensive asset.

On Monday it was reported that Barcelona had reached a deal to sign Cancelo on loan, with the Catalan side covering €5m of his wages at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese international will in theory return to Barcelona 18 months after his first loan spell from Manchester City.

‘Cancelo deal is not done’ – Flick

Flick was asked immediately about the deal for Cancelo, and he admitted that he and Director of Football Deco had considered a move for a central defender.

“I spoke with my staff, and with Deco we speak a lot. And we think that when Ronald is back we have good alternatives at centre-back. Joao can play at both full backs. It’s not a done deal, but I’d be happy if it goes through. We talked about signing a centre-back, but this is a good option for these six months.”

“He is very good, at top quality, he is another option offensively, and we know his strengths and his weaknesses, but we have to work on that when he is here.”

Flick had the chance to sign Cancelo on arrival

The German coach arrived just as Cancelo was leaving the club. The Blaugrana did have a €25m option to sign the 31-year-old, but opted not to use it.  Flick reasoned that the salary limit situation forced them into other alternatives.

“We’ve had a situation these past two years where we have to be smart about the players we sign. We can’t spend billions. Our players are progressing. Our youngsters are developing, and we have faith in them. Now we have the opportunity to bring in a veteran. I’d appreciate it if he comes.”