Flick announces Barcelona’s first 2026 signing with second deal already planned

Hansi Flick has confirmed that Barcelona are in talks to sign Al-Hilal full-back Joao Cancelo, while the club are also interested in Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka.

The reigning Spanish champions’ January transfer window has taken a surprising twist in recent days. Informed about the availability of former loan star Cancelo, Barcelona pivoted from their plan of wanting to sign a centre-back.

With Jules Kounde capable of playing centrally, the Blaugrana have opted to hijack Cancelo’s proposed move to Inter, viewing the arrival of the Portuguese as a good market opportunity.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have agreed a straight six-month loan with Al-Hilal that will see them pay around €4 million to cover the 31-year-old’s hefty salary. The Catalans believe they will be able to register Cancelo with LaLiga due to Andreas Christensen’s injury.

Speaking to the press ahead of Barcelona’s Supercopa semi-final against Athletic Club in Saudi Arabia, head coach Hansi Flick confirmed that talks were taking place to bring Cancelo back to the club after his loan in 2023/24.

Flick confirms Cancelo interest – Goretzka next?

“I spoke with my staff, and with Deco we speak a lot,” Flick said. “And we think that when Ronald [Araujo] is back, we have good alternatives at centre-back. Joao can play on both sides, he can give us good options.

“As of now, it’s not done, but I’d be happy if it goes through. He’s another option for the offence. We talked about signing a centre-back, but I think it makes more sense, I think it is a good option, and a high-quality player.”

Flick also revealed that Barcelona had the chance to make Cancelo’s loan permanent shortly before he arrived at Barcelona in 2024, but that it did not make financial sense at the time.

“We’ve had a situation these past two years where we have to be smart about the players we sign. It’s not like the other clubs that can pay hundreds of millions for players. But I think it’s good, you can see our players are progressing.

“Our young players are developing, and we have faith in them. Now we have the opportunity to bring in a veteran. I would appreciate it if he came.”

Cancelo will be an immediate reinforcement, but Barcelona are also looking ahead to the summer already. As reported by Mundo Deportivo and confirmed by Sky Germany, Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka is seen as a similar market opportunity to Cancelo.

Bayern have been trying to get his hefty salary off the books for years and the 30-year-old’s contract will finally expire in the summer, allowing suitors to sign him on a free transfer. Barcelona are exploring the possibility of reuniting Flick with his former protégé.

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