So far, João Cancelo has failed to convince Barcelona coach Hansi Flick of his abilities, and the Portuguese full-back may end up returning to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia at the end of the current season.
Cancelo was Barcelona’s only winter signing, a loan deal with no obligation to buy next summer. However, the player dreams of a long-term stay at Camp Nou.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Flick is open to making the loan permanent next season, but only under three conditions.
The first condition is that Cancelo regains full fitness to be able to implement Barcelona’s complex high-pressing style for the full 90 minutes. So far, the 31-year-old has not been able to achieve this.
The second condition is that Cancelo proves he can be a genuine competitor to Jules Koundé at right-back. Flick does not intend to use him at left-back except in emergencies.
Finally, Flick wants to feel that Cancelo has fully integrated into the current Barcelona team, and so far, the German coach isn’t convinced that this has happened.
The remaining three months of the season will be crucial. Either Cancelo will turn things around and prove his worth, or Flick will be the first to call for the player’s departure from the Blaugrana.
