Barcelona are gearing up for a busy summer transfer window, with plans to add fresh talent to an already formidable squad. But before they dive into new signings, they face a crucial decision on two loanees: Joao Cancelo and Marcus Rashford. While Rashford looks likely to head back to Manchester United, the Catalan giants are far more keen on keeping Cancelo at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Since returning to Barcelona in January, Cancelo has been nothing short of outstanding. In 19 appearances across all competitions, he’s locked down the left-back position with a blend of attacking flair and defensive grit. It’s no wonder new boss Hansi Flick is eager to make the Portugal international a permanent fixture. His consistent performances have been a bright spot in a season of highs and lows, adding depth to a backline that thrives on versatility.

But securing Cancelo won’t be a walk in the park. According to reports, his parent club Al Hilal are demanding at least €10 million for the deal—a figure that far exceeds what Barcelona are willing to shell out. The Catalans have already made their stance clear to Cancelo and his camp: they won’t pay a transfer fee. That means the only way he stays is if he can negotiate a contract termination with the Saudi Pro League side when his loan ends.

Here’s where it gets interesting: Cancelo has reportedly told Barcelona he only wants to remain for next season, leaving his representatives to hash out a solution with Al Hilal once the campaign wraps up. Despite the financial hurdles, the player has already agreed on preliminary contract terms with the La Liga leaders. The proposed deal would span two years, with a potential one-year extension clause—a smart move for both sides if they can pull it off.

Whether Cancelo ends up staying permanently remains to be seen, but for Barcelona, it would be a savvy piece of business. In a world where top-tier defenders come at a premium, landing a player of his caliber without a fee could be the steal of the summer. Keep an eye on this one—it’s shaping up to be a transfer saga worth following.