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Former Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo is waiting for an offer from Barcelona as he holds out on a move to Inter Milan. The Portugal international is set for a move away from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal this month, and will come back to Europe.
Joao Cancelo to make a dream return to Barcelona?
Journalist Matteo Moretto has reported that Cancelo is stalling despite his club having an agreement with Inter Milan. He wants to make a dream return to Barcelona, having spent a season on loan at the club in 2023.
Cancelo was on the books of Premier League club Manchester City when he moved to Barcelona through a loan deal in the 2023-24 season. He played 42 games across all competitions, amassing four goals and five assists.
Joao Cancelo's stats for Al-Hilal
The 31-year-old has been playing in Saudi Arabia since the summer of 2024, having joined Al-Hilal from Manchester City. He is now geared up for a return to Europe after 45 games in his 18 months with the Saudi club. He provided 3 goals and 13 assists in his time with the club.
Inter Milan have reached an agreement with Al-Hilal to sign Cancelo, who is being considered to give competition for Denzel Dumfries. The former Valencia player was previously on the books of the Nerazzurri, playing 28 times for them in the 2017-18 season.
Joao Cancelo can help to resolve Barca's defensive troubles
Barcelona are looking to sign at least one defender, as coach Hansi Flick has disclosed, and Cancelo will be a great option. The versatile full-back will cover in both full-back positions marking him out as an asset to the Spanish giants.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick admits scope of improvement in defense
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has admitted that his team needs to sign at least one player for improvement in defense in the January transfer window. He made the revelation during his pre-game press conference ahead of their clash against Espanyol.
Flick informed the reporters that his side was not previously prepared to add any player to their roster, but the serious situation in defense has caused them to rethink. He disclosed that he will have talks with the club on progressing with a deal which will help them to improve.
"We are not ready at the moment [to make a signing], but when you see the last line, the position with the full-backs and the centre-backs, maybe we need one more player. We have to discuss it. It's not easy in the winter to get a player on this level. I have the confidence and belief we are able to do something, but it has to make sense to do this transfer", he said (via ESPN).
Barcelona have recently faced another defender Andreas Christensen to injury, and have been without Ronald Araujo since November as asked for some time off. They have had to try out multiple defensive combinations, leading to instability at the back.
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