Barcelona’s efforts in the transfer market have been stifled a bit after announcing Anthony Gordon quite early. The club, though, remain hard at work trying to sort out its economic woes.
One of Barcelona’s priorities is to shore up the fullback department. Although the club have been linked with several fullbacks in the market, Joao Cancelo appears to be the priority for now.
Hansi Flick’s desired option
According to Mundo Deportivo, Cancelo is firmly among Hansi Flick’s top priorities to strengthen the full-back positions heading into next season.
The Portuguese international impressed during his loan spell at the club, and the German coach is keen to secure his services on a permanent basis.
Joao Cancelo of FC Barcelona
Flick has been left impressed with the performances of Joao Cancelo. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
However, the key to the entire operation lies not with Barcelona or Cancelo himself, but with what happens at Al-Hilal in the coming weeks.
Everything depends on Inzaghi’s future
The relationship between Simone Inzaghi and Cancelo is understood to be strained, and the Italian coach had been actively looking to move the defender on.
That willingness to sell would have significantly eased Barcelona’s path to signing him permanently.
But Al-Hilal are currently in the process of appointing a new sporting director, who will in turn play a decisive role in determining whether Inzaghi remains as manager.
Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal coach
The swiftness of the Cancelo operation will hinge on the future of Simone Inzaghi at Al Hilal. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
If a new coach arrives, he will need to sit down with the sporting director and work through all open transfer files, including Cancelo’s situation, before any agreement can be reached with Barcelona.
The uncertainty at Al-Hilal is having a knock-on effect on other deals too.
The Saudi club’s interest in Raphinha, who has already made clear he wants to stay at Barcelona, and the possibility of Marc Casado moving to Riyadh are both on pause until the club’s new sporting structure is in place.