Hansi Flick wants Manchester City star to be his right-back next season – report | OneFootball

In a recent report by Mundo Deportivo‘s Gabriel Sans, it has emerged that Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick, is keen on retaining the services of Joao Cancelo for the right-back position.

The journalist also mentions that if the club fails to secure his services, they will consider alternatives in the form of Hector Fort or Julian Araujo.

It is said that Barcelona’s primary focus currently lies in negotiating a deal to keep Cancelo at the club. Manchester City, his parent club, have been pushing for a permanent transfer, but are now open to a loan deal as a last resort.

For that, Cancelo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is working tirelessly to broker an agreement and despite the challenges, Cancelo’s priority remains playing for Barcelona.

Flick has alternatives planned

Interestingly, if Cancelo’s signing proves elusive, Flick is considering younger options in Araujo and Fort. However, his preference remains a top-class player like Cancelo.

Hansi Flick wants Joao Cancelo to continue. (Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)

In the absence of a specialist right-back, he may also consider repositioning a centre-back like Jules Kounde, a tactic he has employed successfully with the French national team.

Meanwhile, Cancelo has been receiving lucrative offers from the Saudi League, but his dream remains to don the Barcelona jersey.

He has rejected all approaches from the Middle East and informed his agent that he is not interested in moving anywhere but Barcelona, amidst the fact that Juventus and Inter are interested as well.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have been trying to sell Cancelo on a permanent basis this summer, but their asking price of €25 million, combined with his high salary demands, has deterred potential suitors.

In the coming weeks, Barcelona and Manchester City are likely to engage in discussions to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

With Cancelo’s desire to play for Barcelona and the club’s willingness to negotiate, a deal may be on the horizon.