Barcelona’s decision to bring Joao Cancelo back to the club has created a curious situation at left-back.
The Portuguese has returned to Barcelona as a free agent after terminating his contract with Al-Hilal. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Camp Nou and became Hansi Flick’s preferred option at left-back, moving ahead of Alejandro Balde in the pecking order.
Flick was keen for the Portugal international to return. The Barcelona manager has praised Cancelo’s contribution during his loan spell and stressed the range of qualities he can offer.
“Last season, when he arrived, I think he needed a little time to adapt,” Flick said. “But in the end he gave us many options and a lot of quality in attack, and he also performed very well defensively.
“That’s precisely what I expect from him: defence, because he’s a full-back. He has to defend very well, but what he can give us in attack is extraordinary.”
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Cancelo played 23 matches last season, scoring twice and providing three assists. Most of those appearances came at left-back, where he eventually displaced Balde as the first choice.
Which is curious, because Cancelo’s permanent return now raises questions about Balde’s position.
Balde is 22-year-old and has a contract at Barcelona until 2028, but reports have suggested that the club are now considering selling him due to Cancelo’s arrival.
Manchester United made contact this week with Balde’s agent, Jorge Mendes, to enquire about the defender and the conditions for a possible transfer, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Interestingly, Barcelona did not rule out a sale, and Flick is reported to have doubts about the player.
Balde’s position is complicated further by his absence from the first part of pre-season because of a fitness problem. In his absence, academy player Jordi Pesquer impressed, adding another option for Flick to the position.
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Can he actually move? His injury problems are one thing, but it would be puzzling if Barcelona allowed a young La Masia graduate to leave while bringing in a 32-year-old to replace him.
The defender was asked about his future, though, and he insisted he wanted remain at Barcelona.
“People always say a lot of things, but Barcelona is my home,” Balde said in July. “I’ve been at this club for 16 years, my whole life. I want to succeed here, and my mind is here.
“I’m from Barcelona, it’s my home. All I’m thinking about is staying here for many more years. I’m not thinking about leaving. I’m a Barcelona fan, I’m from Barcelona. I won’t be better anywhere else.”
