Barça’s setback in the transfer market
In an unexpected twist in its signing strategy, FC Barcelona, under the direction of Hansi Flick, has stumbled in its negotiations to strengthen its squad. The addition of Joao Cancelo, a player who seemed like a viable option for the defense, has been out of reach for the Catalan club.
The battle of negotiations: Barca vs. Manchester City
Despite Barça’s considerable efforts to get the Portuguese full-back back, talks with Manchester City were not fruitful. The English club, with a firm stance, demanded a permanent sale, while Barça’s proposal was limited to a transfer with an option to buy at the end of the season. This discrepancy in conditions was a breaking point.
Al-Hilal’s offensive and the irrefutable offer
The situation was further complicated by the arrival of Al-Hilal, who moved quickly to secure Cancelo’s services. The Saudi team presented an offer that could not be refused: 15 million euros net per season for the player and 25 million for City. This agreement, closed on Tuesday, marks a new stage for Cancelo, who will now share a dressing room with figures such as Neymar.
Another player in Barça’s sights about to pack his bags
But Cancelo is not the only player who could have strengthened Barça this summer. Kingsley Coman, another prominent name on Hansi Flick’s list, is also on the verge of leaving Bayern Munich to join Al-Hilal. This news, advanced by ‘L’Équipe’ and confirmed by ‘Sky Sports’, indicates that the Frenchman is preparing for a new adventure.
Flick’s dilemma: Coman as a key piece
Flick, who knows Coman well from their experience together at Bayern, had seen the Frenchman as an essential player for his attacking plan, especially after the refusal of Nico Williams. Coman, along with Luis Díaz, was considered a strategic resource to strengthen the team. However, Barça’s interest did not translate into a concrete offer, leaving Flick empty-handed.
A summer of changes for Bayern Munich
Coman’s possible departure adds to a series of casualties that Bayern have suffered during this transfer window. Players such as Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Malik Tillman have left the club, in addition to Bryan Zaragoza’s transfer to Osasuna. This scenario presents a significant challenge for the German team, which is looking to restart its project with new additions.
Looking to the future
With Cancelo and possibly Coman out of the picture, Barça will be forced to reconsider their signing strategy for the season. The club will have to explore new options if it wants to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic and demanding market.
