Former star's January return to Barcelona now looking very 'unlikely' | Barca Universal

"There has been a lot of noise surrounding Barcelona and their reported interest in signing Joao Cancelo in the ongoing transfer window. The Portuguese international is all set to leave Al-Hilal on loan and has his heart set on a return to Barça, where he spent the 2023/24 season on loan from Manchester City. The Blaugrana, for their part, are considering the option, as the 31-year-old is a proven player who knows the club and would provide depth in two positions."

"However, as per the latest update from Florian Plettenberg of Sky, Barcelona making a move for Cancelo is now starting to look highly unlikely. Indeed, at this stage, there is nothing advanced between the two parties despite contacts having taken place between the club and the player's agent, Jorge Mendes. As such, a move is starting to appear unlikely despite Cancelo's willingness to return to the Catalan club and even take a pay cut to make it happen."

"Barcelona, for their part, are likely to focus on signing a centre-back instead, with Hansi Flick insisting on reinforcing the heart of the defence. Nathan Ake of Manchester City has emerged as a key target, given that he is out of favour at the Premier League club and could be available on loan this month. Moreover, his profile fits what the manager is looking for - experienced, established, left-footed, and someone who can make an impact from the get-go."

Joao Cancelo is set to leave Al-Hilal on loan and wants to return to Barça, where he spent the 2023/24 season on loan from Manchester City. Barcelona considered the option because Cancelo is a proven, versatile 31-year-old who knows the club and would provide depth at two positions. Contacts occurred between Barcelona and the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, but nothing is advanced and a move now looks highly unlikely. Inter Milan have emerged as frontrunners to sign Cancelo. Barcelona are prioritizing a centre-back, with Hansi Flick targeting Nathan Ake, whose profile matches the manager's requirements.

Read at Barca Universal