Earlier today, FC Barcelona announced the signing of Joao Cancelo, with the 32-year-old defender returning as a free agent after terminating his contract at Al Hilal.
Having spent the second half of the last season on loan at the Spotify Camp Nou, Cancelo made such a big impression that the Catalans wanted to bring him back, this time permanently.
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Negotiations with Al Hilal were not easy, but the player’s willingness to return to the club ultimately proved crucial.
Hansi Flick welcomes Cancelo back
Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona, wanted Cancelo back after the Portuguese defender’s strong performances during his loan spell at the end of last season.
The German coach was very satisfied with the full-back’s level and, after his return was confirmed, he welcomed the veteran star back.
“Last season, when he arrived, I think he needed a little time to adapt. But in the end he gave us many options and a lot of quality in attack, and he also performed very well defensively,” said the Barcelona manager.
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“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.”
Cancelo’s numbers last season
While he had a slow start under Flick, Cancelo eventually picked up his pace and went on to become the first-choice starter at left-back ahead of Alejandro Balde.
Flick gave Cancelo plenty of confidence, and the Portuguese responded emphatically.
Back at Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
The full-back played 23 matches, most of them on the left side of the defence, scoring two goals and providing three assists. That positive record earned him a return to Spotify Camp Nou.
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Pending his registration with La Liga, Cancelo is in contention to become Barça’s starting left-back again this season and will provide significant competition within the squad.
For now, it is unlikely that he will be starting this weekend against Elche, having only joined the club and not had enough training with the rest of the squad.
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