Barça's January Gambit: Cancelo to Barcelona and a Keeper’s Call for the Super Cup Showdown
6 January 2026
The Cancelo Quest Begins
The German coach Hans Flick, Barcelona's manager, has signaled interest in signing Portuguese right-back Joao Cancelo from Saudi club Al Hilal during the current winter window.
Cancelo reportedly plans to leave Al Hilal in January and return to Europe, marking a potential return to the continent he last thrived in.
Despite a serious approach from Inter Milan, Cancelo has declared his wish to resume playing for Barcelona, keeping a strong pull toward Camp Nou.
Spanish and Saudi reports indicate Barcelona and Al Hilal have reached a deal in principle on the terms, with Cancelo edging closer to a move to Barça.
Flick, speaking at a press conference before the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Athletic Bilbao, underscored the need to sign Cancelo as part of Barca's plans to boost their attacking threat.
Barça are gearing up to face Bilbao tomorrow in the Super Cup semi-final hosted by Saudi Arabia.
The Super Cup events will be broadcast through the Eight app, the broadcaster for the Saudi Roshen league, giving fans a front-row seat to the drama.
Flick said: "You know the situation better than me; it's not like clubs that can just pay. There is an option to add a player who can provide a high level of attacking threat... we must work on that."
On tomorrow's goalkeeper: "García will be the starting goalkeeper against Athletic Bilbao."
He added: "I want to talk with Ronald Araújo after training; I haven't decided anything yet, he needs time."
He continued: "We are two wins away from lifting the title; it's the fastest path to glory, and that is what the club and fans want—we are here to win."
Regarding possible departures in January: "No player has asked to leave during this winter window."
Barça are the defending champions of the Spanish Super Cup after beating Real Madrid in the final, five goals to two, in the last edition.
Two punchlines to brighten the read: If Cancelo signs, Barça’s right flank might become so sharp that even the ball will file a complaint for excessive precision. And if the deal stalls, at least the press conferences will provide enough plot twists to replace any reality show—never a dull moment in January football chaos.
