Barcelona Reaches Out to Ex-Star for Shocking January Transfer Return
Barcelona have allegedly established communication with their ex-defender João Cancelo concerning a potential winter return following his anticipated departure from Al Hilal.
The Portuguese star completed the 2023–24 campaign on loan from Manchester City in Barcelona. Coach Xavi Hernández quickly positioned him as the club's primary right-back before transitioning him to the left side after Pau Cubarsí's breakthrough in central defense enabled Jules Kounde to move to a wider position.
Although Cancelo delivered a mostly successful individual season, his temporary arrangement wasn't converted to a permanent deal. Due to his strained rapport with Pep Guardiola in Manchester, City quickly sold the attacking-minded player, who joined Al Hilal for a substantial €25 million (£21.8 million, $29.4 million) fee during summer 2024.
Cancelo began his Middle Eastern adventure impressively, contributing five assists across his initial 13 domestic matches for the title holders. Nevertheless, persistent muscle problems limited his participation in the latter portion of the season as Al Hilal eventually lost the championship to Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad.
This current season has proven even more challenging for Cancelo. Following a notable performance in the Club World Cup during summer where Al Hilal drew against Real Madrid and eliminated Manchester City, the Portuguese wing-back had a significant disagreement with coach Simone Inzaghi.
The tension seemingly originated from Cancelo's furious reaction after being substituted in the season opener versus Al Riyadh with five minutes remaining and Al Hilal leading 2–0. Inzaghi has granted the 31-year-old merely 90 additional minutes of league action throughout the subsequent four months.
Cancelo is anticipated to depart Saudi Arabia come January. Fabrizio Romano indicates that Inter lead the pursuit, having inquired about terms for a temporary transfer, though the arrangement details remain undecided—Cancelo's Al Hilal deal runs until 2027.
Juventus have similarly initiated "discussions" regarding a possible Turin comeback alongside Barcelona's pursuit.
The veteran fullback reportedly seeks increased playing time to bolster his World Cup selection prospects this summer. Roberto Martínez readily includes Saudi-based players—Rúben Neves, João Félix and naturally Cristiano Ronaldo demonstrate this—but a 31-year-old who's spent most of a season benched presents limited appeal.
Should Barcelona Re-Sign Cancelo?
Cancelo's contributions to Barcelona are evident. This remains a player with considerable creative ability and genuine connection to the institution. Within weeks of joining, Cancelo was already instructing his daughter in Barcelona's club song.
Near the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, Cancelo stated: "I'd prefer to remain here. I was raised watching Ronaldinho's Barcelona. He's my hero. I take pride in wearing this shirt, and there aren't alternative clubs I could consider, correct?"
Nevertheless, what Barcelona can provide Cancelo remains uncertain.
Kounde has virtually secured the right-back position under Hansi Flick, who shows little patience for players failing to prioritize defensive responsibilities—a criticism previously directed at Cancelo. Alejandro Balde maintains his regular left-back role, offering little beyond a substitute position for the playing-time-seeking potential addition.
Cancelo's wages present an even greater concern. Gazzetta dello Sport indicates he earns €15 million net annually. For context, Barcelona's highest-paid player Robert Lewandowski reportedly receives approximately €11 million after tax deductions.
The club's precarious financial circumstances previously prevented them from securing Cancelo permanently 18 months prior and could again influence their decision-making process.