Barcelona and Hansi Flick ‘keen to keep’ Joao Cancelo, but Al Hilal fee complicates deal | OneFootball

Barcelona and head coach Hansi Flick want to keep Joao Cancelo beyond the summer, but any permanent deal hinges on Al Hilal’s demands. The 31-year-old joined on loan from the club in January.

Cancelo impressed again in Sunday’s comeback win over Atletico Madrid, playing a major part in the late winner. Sport reports that the internal message is that he must stay, his team-mates want him to remain, and Flick would welcome an agreement.

Barcelona want to secure him on a free, but Al Hilal have made clear a fee will be required to keep him. With limited funds for other priorities in Flick’s squad, a purchase could be difficult.

The club have identified alternatives in case they cannot sign Cancelo for a third time. While the preference is to keep the Portugal international, he is unlikely to remain if Al Hilal hold firm.

For now, Cancelo is focused on finishing his second Barcelona spell strongly. Talks over his future may not happen until after the 2026 World Cup.

Source: Football Espana