Barcelona have moved to secure the long-term future of Joao Cancelo following a string of impressive performances at Spotify Camp Nou. The versatile Portugal international has become a vital cog in Hansi Flick’s tactical set-up since returning to Catalunya on loan in January.
Portugal international Joao Cancelo has dropped a significant hint regarding his future, hinting he is willing to reduce his salary to secure a return to Benfica. Currently on loan at Barcelona from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, the full-back's comments have added a fresh layer of intrigue to his complex transfer situation.
Barcelona are desperate to keep Joao Cancelo at the club beyond his current loan spell, but the financial hurdles involving Al-Hilal are proving difficult to clear. The Catalan giants are reportedly hoping the Portuguese international will take matters into his own hands to force a permanent stay in Spain.
Barcelona sporting director Deco is receiving widespread praise following the successful winter return of Joao Cancelo, with critics now being told they owe the club an official apology. Despite concerns that the Portuguese full-back had passed his prime during his stint in Saudi Arabia, his immediate impact under Hansi Flick has silenced the doubters. Deco has highlighted Cancelo's profound emotional connection to the club as a primary catalyst for the deal.
Barcelona returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Levante on Sunday that moved them back to the summit of La Liga as they took advantage of Real Madrid's defeat to Osasuna 24 hours earlier. First-half goals from midfield duo Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong put the hosts in control before Fermin Lopez scored a stunner on a day when Joao Cancelo was the real star of the show.
