Nobody expected it, but it's almost a fact. João Cancelo is very close to returning to FC Barcelona after a year away.
After his loan in the 2023-24 season, and a brilliant stint in Saudi Arabia, Cancelo has convinced Deco to bring him back to Barça. This time as a permanent signing and with a very different role.
Flick knows him from his time at Bayern Munich. Although he had off-field problems, he showed a high level on the field.
He left with criticism, returns with humility
João Cancelo left Barça in the summer of 2024 after a year on loan from Manchester City. His performance was good, but not spectacular. Some decisive matches raised doubts, and his high salary made it impossible for him to stay.
He ended up moving to Saudi Arabia, where he regained his form and, above all, learned to value what it means to be at Barça.
According to sources close to the player, Cancelo has offered himself to Barça to return, significantly lowering his salary. He wants to show that he can be useful in this new project and doesn't mind not being an undisputed starter. His attitude has changed, and Deco has interpreted it as an opportunity.
Deco, key in the operation
The good relationship between João Cancelo and Deco has been key to reactivating his signing. Back in 2023, it was a deal handled directly by the sporting director, and now he's repeating the formula.
Mendes, the player's agent, has also made everything easier, aware that Cancelo needs to return to Europe to relaunch his career and have options for the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Euro Cup.
Meanwhile, Flick has given the green light. He doesn't see him as an undisputed starter, but as a very valuable piece in a young squad that will need experience at key moments.
In addition, his versatility allows him to be used both on the right and the left, making him a perfect wildcard to give Koundé and Balde a rest.
Low-cost operation, with sporting sense
The signing will be closed for a symbolic amount with Manchester City. The English club wants to get rid of his salary and knows that he's not in Pep Guardiola's plans. At Barça, they're celebrating that it's a financially viable and sportingly useful operation, two conditions that don't always go together.
Cancelo's contract with City ends in 2027 and he could join Barça for just 10 million.
Cancelo arrives with a different role: to be a squad player, provide experience, and help with rotation. He's not coming to take anyone's place, but to add value. That's appreciated both in the locker room and in the offices.
He returns more mature and eager to prove himself
If there are no setbacks, João Cancelo will be a new Barça player in the coming days. He's coming back more mature, aware of his mistakes, and ready to perform at the highest level. The club sees him as a useful, inexpensive signing with international experience, something that's scarce in a squad with so much young talent.
In addition, he left a good impression in the blaugrana locker room, which has pushed for his return to become a reality. He's also performing at a high level in the Club World Cup with Al Hilal.
In the last season, he played 36 matches, scored 2 goals, and provided 11 assists. 10 million. At 31 years old, Cancelo still has a lot to offer.