Joao Cancelo will likely return to Barcelona following Hansi Flick’s approval

Portuguese left back Joao Cancelo has made his desire to return to FC Barcelona  abundantly clear, and the club has begun the process of renewing his loan. 

As the summer transfer window heats up the Barcelona brass has been placed under a microscope, and big decisions must to be made in the coming weeks.  

Cancelo, who requested the move to Barca after a falling out with parent club Manchester City, has an affinity for the the Catalan giants — and the feelings are mutual between he and Barcelona’s new coach, Hansi Flick, who’s reportedly penciled Cancelo in as a crucial component of his defensive strategy.

Few defenders in the world have displayed the versatility to cover both fullback positions like Joao  Cancelo. He was instrumental in providing Barcelona with at least a solid defensive structure last season. and his ability to seamlessly toggle between flanks and contribute to the team's build-up play from the back make him an invaluable asset. Flick’s endorsement of Cancelo underscores the defender's importance to the team, not just for his defensive capabilities but also for his role in facilitating smooth transitions and link-up play, which are pivotal to Barcelona's tactical setup.

While Barcelona has been actively linked to high-profile targets like Nico Williams and Dani Olmo, renewing Cancelo's loan should be a top priority for the club. The additions of Williams and Olmo would undoubtedly bolster Barcelona’s attacking options, adding flair and creativity to their front line, but the stability and depth that Cancelo brings to the fullback position cannot be overlooked.