An extended stay or a return to Saudi Arabia are both possible, but on-loan defender currently focused on ending season on a high
Joao Cancelo says there is only a 50-50 chance that he stays at Barcelona beyond the summer, despite rumours from some corners that the club are considering extending his stay.
The 31-year-old defender, currently on loan from Al-Hilal, has been a regular figure for Barcelona this season. Reports have suggested a willingness from both the club and player to keep him at the club after his loan deal expires, but Cancelo refused to be drawn on talk of an extended stay.
“Anything can happen in football,” said Cancelo. “I’m going to keep working, and I know what I want for next season. I want to help Barca stay in [the Champions League] and win La Liga. That’s the most important thing. My future isn’t relevant right now.”
Barcelona signed Cancelo in January in a bid to fix weaknesses in defence. The fukl-back has since impressed and the club are understood to be keen on retaining him, but any permanent move will depend on resolving their financial troubles.
“There are always options,” Cancelo said. “I have a contract with Al-Hilal and I’m on loan at Barca, but there are always options. Football can change in an instant.”
This is Cancelo’s second stint at Barcelona, after playing for the club on loan in the 2023-24 season under Xavi. The Portuguese highlighted a shift in Barcelona’s playing style under Flick. The German coach has implemented a more aggressive pressing system compared to his predecessor.
“The dynamic is different,” said Cancelo. “With high pressure, we take risks, and I appreciate those values. Flick has introduced the German style of pressing and jumping on the man closest to the ball. With this, you almost always have control of the game, but you take more risks.
“I am very grateful to Xavi, he helped me a lot. Hansi is different, not better or worse. Hansi has more experience, but I think Xavi was a very good coach too.”
