Barcelona have recently been dealing with a selection crisis, with star defenders Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen unavailable due to anxiety issues and a partial ligament tear, respectively. And, Blaugrana manager Hansi Flick has opined on an imminent signing.
Hansi Flick Addresses Barcelona Rumors About January Signing
According to reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are expected to sign Al-Hilal star Joao Cancelo on loan until the end of June this year. They are set to pay the Saudi Arabian club €4 million as a loan fee for Cancelo, who was also linked with Inter Milan.
During a pre-match press conference, Flick was asked to opine on why Barcelona are set to sign Cancelo, a full-back, instead of a centre-back in the ongoing January transfer window.
“I spoke with my coaching staff and we think that when Ronald is back, we have good alternatives at centre-back. Joao can play at both full-backs. It’s not a done deal, but I’d be happy if it goes through. We talked about signing a centre-back, but this is a good option for these six months,” Flick replied (via Barca Universal).
Flick also suggested that he is excited to work with an experienced defender like Cancelo.
“We’ve had a situation these past two years where we have to be smart about the players we sign. We can’t spend billions. Our players are progressing. Our youngsters are developing, and we have faith in them. Now we have the opportunity to bring in a veteran. I’d appreciate it if he comes,” the German added.
Cancelo, who left Manchester City to join Al-Hilal in 2024, has previously played for Barcelona on loan. The 31-year-old, valued at €10 million by Transfermarkt, recorded four goals and five assists in 44 overall Blaugrana appearances in the 2023-24 campaign.
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Ronald Araujo To Rejoin Barcelona Training Soon, Claims Flick
Asked if Araujo will be available for Barcelona’s Supercopa de Espana semi-final tie against Athletic Club on Wednesday, Flick stated the defender will soon rejoin first-team training.
“We’ll see him in training. I want to talk to him first. We haven’t decided yet. If he’s ready, maybe we’ll change something. Right now, he’s not in our plans. Ronald is a very important player for us, one of the captains. I hope he gets back to his best,” Flick replied.
Araujo, 26, has not been named in a Blaugrana squad since Nov. 25 last year. The 26-year-old centre-back has missed all of his side’s last eight matches across all competitions.
