FC Barcelona reunited with versatile fullback Joao Cancelo this winter transfer window, signing the veteran Portuguese international on loan from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal.
Already, Cancelo is usurping Alejandro Balde on the left side, potentially even pushing Deco to transfer the left back. His ability to play on both sides of the formation is exactly what Barca needed as an experienced, more attacking option on the flanks.
The path to making him a permanent signing is now easier. According to a report from Diario Sport, Cancelo is pushing to convince the Barcelona decision makers to make his loan move from Saudi Arabia permanent.
Cancelo reportedly wants to forego a large portion of his current salary with Al-Hilal in order to facilitate a permanent transfer to Catalunya, and he hopes his current parent club will terminate the contract.
That is easier on paper than in reality, but it is heartwarming news for Culers to hear that a valuable, star player is even willing to push down his own wages just to play for Barcelona. In addition to being a talent, Cancelo is the kind of character Barca should want to keep in the dressing room as an example who will fight for the badge.
Joe Soriano is the editor of The Trivela Effect and a FanSided Hall of Famer who has covered world football since 2010. He’s led top digital communities like The Real Champs (Real Madrid) and has run sites covering Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus, and Schalke. He also helped manage NFL Spin Zone and Daily DDT, covering the NFL and pro wrestling.