What should Barcelona do if they can’t help hold of Joao Cancelo?

TL;DR

Barcelona is facing uncertainty over Joao Cancelo's future as he has a year left on his contract with Al-Hilal. The club is considering various options for the left-back position if Cancelo does not stay.

Key points

Joao Cancelo is Barcelona's first-choice left-back.
Barcelona hopes to secure Cancelo on a free transfer.
Gerard Martin may shift back to left-back if needed.
Alejandro Balde could regain his starting position.
Barcelona is considering signing a new left-back.

FC BarcelonaAl-Hilal

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 15: Joao Cancelo of FC Barcelona celebrates 5-1 with Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona, Raphinha of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Sevilla at the Camp Nou on March 15, 2026 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Joao Cancelo has taken over as Barcelona’s first-choice left-back since joining the club again on loan in the January transfer window from Al-Hilal. The Portugal international has gone on to make 19 appearances in all competitions for Hansi Flick’s side, scoring once and contributing three assists. Barca want Cancelo to continue but it’s not as easy as all that. The Catalans are hoping they can secure him on a free transfer, but he still has a year left on his contract with Al-Hilal. So what do Barcelona do if Cancelo doesn’t stay? Flick has preferred Gerard Martin at center-back this season, but he could shift back to left-back if Barca do sign another central defender. will be hoping he can regain his place in the starting XI, although there’s plenty of speculation flying around that Barca would be happy to sell the defender if a good offer arrives. There have also been whispers that Barca could sign a left-back, with names such as , and having been mentioned already. is also an option if So today’s **Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day** is: **What should Barcelona do at left-back next season if they can’t help hold of Joao Cancelo?** Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, opinions and answers in the comments section below!

Q&A

What are Barcelona's options if Joao Cancelo leaves?

Barcelona may shift Gerard Martin back to left-back, rely on Alejandro Balde, or sign a new left-back such as Marc Cucurella or Alejandro Grimaldo.

How many appearances has Joao Cancelo made for Barcelona?

Joao Cancelo has made 19 appearances for Barcelona since joining on loan.

What is Joao Cancelo's current contract situation with Al-Hilal?

Joao Cancelo has one year left on his contract with Al-Hilal, complicating Barcelona's efforts to secure him on a free transfer.