The future of Portuguese full-back João Cancelo at FC Barcelona appears to have entered a new phase of uncertainty following the arrival of German coach Hansi Flick. Reports from Spain indicate that Flick has already begun reassessing the player's role in his plans for next season, casting serious doubt on his continued presence in the starting lineup, and indeed at the club as a whole. This development is being closely monitored by Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, who may see it as confirmation of the soundness of their previous transfer market decisions and their long-term planning.
The general context and Cancelo's erratic career
João Cancelo joined Barcelona in the summer of 2023 on loan from Manchester City, following a previous loan spell at Bayern Munich. His move to the Catalan club came at the request of then-manager Xavi Hernández, who saw him as the ideal solution to the full-back position, a role the team had struggled with for years. Despite showcasing impressive technical skills and contributing significantly to the attack, Cancelo's defensive performances were always questionable, and these weaknesses were glaringly apparent in crucial matches, most notably against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Cancelo's career has generally been marked by instability, as he left Manchester City due to alleged disagreements with manager Pep Guardiola regarding his role in the team. This raises questions about his ability to adhere to the strict tactical discipline demanded by managers like Hansi Flick.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Domestically, Flick's decision regarding Cancelo is a clear indication of his coaching philosophy, which prioritizes balance between defense and attack and tactical discipline. The German coach may prefer to rely on more defensively solid players like Alejandro Balde or give young talents a chance, which would alter the attacking style Barcelona has become accustomed to with Cancelo. Regionally, the uncertainty surrounding a player of Cancelo's caliber opens the door for other major European clubs, or more specifically, Saudi Pro League clubs with the financial resources to acquire him.
Al-Hilal and market monitoring
In this context, clubs like Al-Hilal have shown interest. Although Cancelo has never played for the "Leaders" (Al-Hilal's nickname), the Saudi club always keeps a close eye on available international stars. If Barcelona decides not to exercise their option to buy or extend the loan, and Manchester City decides to sell the player permanently, top clubs in the Russian Premier League, with Al-Hilal at the forefront, will be among the most likely destinations. Flick's decision to limit Cancelo's role could be seen as a green light for these clubs to make their move, and it also underscores the importance of selecting players who fit the team's tactical system, not just big names – an approach Al-Hilal's management follows in its transfer dealings.
