Overview
- Barcelona’s staff and players want João Cancelo to remain, a stance reinforced after Sunday’s comeback win over Atlético Madrid.
- Barcelona want a free transfer, but multiple reports say Al-Hilal expect a fee to let the loanee move permanently.
- Goal reports Barcelona hope Cancelo can end his Saudi deal to join for free, which would mean giving up a high salary and could face pushback as Al-Hilal still have about €8 million to cover from his Manchester City transfer.
- Cancelo has become Hansi Flick’s first-choice left-back, which has reduced Alejandro Balde’s minutes and raised questions about the youngster’s role next season.
- If no agreement is reached, reports say Barcelona have identified alternative full-backs to pursue in the summer window.