João Cancelo, a professional footballer, is reportedly struggling to adapt to life in the Saudi Professional League after his recent transfer. Despite the substantial financial rewards associated with his move, Cancelo has expressed a desire to leave and return to Europe, particularly to Spain, where he feels a deep sense of belonging. His longing to rejoin his former club Barcelona has fueled speculation about his future, though significant obstacles remain.
According to El Nacional, Cancelo’s dissatisfaction with his current situation in Saudi Arabia has become evident, even though only a few months have passed since his transfer.
The Portuguese defender is said to be nostalgic for his time in Europe, especially in Spain, where he felt most at home. His top priority remains a return to Barcelona, despite the challenges he faced during his lone season at Camp Nou.
During his time with Barcelona, Cancelo was regarded as a key figure in Xavi Hernandez’s squad, playing both as a right-back and left-back. While the club endured instability and inconsistent results, Cancelo’s performances earned him the admiration of fans and teammates alike.
However, Barcelona was unable to secure his permanent transfer due to financial constraints, ultimately abandoning their pursuit after failing to meet Manchester City’s demands.
In a bid to return to Barcelona, Cancelo is reportedly willing to contribute financially to facilitate his exit from the Saudi Professional League. He has also reached out to Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, to explore possibilities, while his agent, Jorge Mendes, has been actively presenting his case.
With Barcelona facing a shortage of reliable defensive options and doubts emerging over Alejandro Balde’s recent form, Cancelo’s return could potentially address these issues.
Despite this, not all parties are supportive of the move. Germany’s national team coach, Hansi Flick, has reportedly expressed reservations about Cancelo, citing concerns about his volatile personality, which has caused friction with previous managers, including Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Flick’s stance contrasts with Xavi’s appreciation of Cancelo’s versatility and talent during his time at Barcelona.
As Cancelo continues to navigate his future, the prospect of returning to Spain remains uncertain, with negotiations and differing opinions among coaches and stakeholders adding complexity to the situation.
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