Barcelona wanted a center back but got João Cancelo again

A signing that started with confusion

Barcelona’s January transfer window summed up the club’s current reality. Head coach Hansi Flick wanted a center back. Instead, Barça brought back João Cancelo on loan — and even that deal started in chaos.

Cancelo was meant to be presented early in the day, but the announcement was suddenly deleted from Barcelona’s website and social channels. The reason was simple: paperwork was not fully completed. One final document from Al Hilal was missing, and Barça had moved too fast.

Several hours later, the issue was resolved and Cancelo was officially unveiled. The delay did not change the deal, but it highlighted how Barcelona often operate — solving problems as they go.

Why Cancelo was possible financially

The loan, worth around €4 million including wages until the end of the season, was only allowed because of LaLiga’s financial rules. Barcelona were able to use part of Andreas Christensen’s salary space while the defender recovers from a long-term injury.

Flick still does not get the center back he originally asked for, but he does receive another defensive option in a squad that badly needs depth.

Defensive problems forced Barcelona’s hand

Even before Christensen’s injury, Barcelona’s defense looked thin. Iñigo Martínez left last summer, leaving teenager Pau Cubarsí without a stable partner. Ronald Araújo has only recently returned, while Eric García and Gerard Martín have been used out of position.

The numbers reflect the problem. Barcelona have conceded 20 goals in 19 league matches and rank poorly for expected goals against. Without goalkeeper Joan García, the situation could look worse.

Signing a top center back in January was always unlikely given financial limits, but the need for reinforcements was clear.

What Cancelo actually gives Flick

Cancelo becomes Barcelona’s only natural right back. Jules Koundé has filled that role for two years but still prefers playing centrally. Cancelo can also cover the left side, easing pressure on Alejandro Balde and allowing more flexibility elsewhere.

Defensively, Cancelo is not a clear upgrade. His strength has always been attacking output rather than defensive discipline. Where he could make a real difference is going forward, especially if used behind Lamine Yamal on the right.

A return driven by emotion and ambition

Cancelo knows Barcelona well after last season’s loan spell, which reduces adaptation time. Sources say several players are happy to see him back, and competition for places should increase.

He also returns with something to prove. Cancelo wants a place in Portugal’s World Cup squad and unfinished business at Barça after leaving without a trophy last time. He rejected other offers, including interest from Inter, and even accepted less money to return.

Now, for the first time, he will play at Camp Nou as a Barcelona player — something he openly described as emotional and special.