Barcelona youngster tipped to play under Xavi yet to convince Hansi Flick but Joao Cancelo ‘almost ruled out’

Barcelona are set to enter the final week of the transfer window with plenty of plates spinning, and the full-back area remains one of them. They will not strengthen the left-back area, but there could be movement at right-back.

Hansi Flick is reportedly happy to back Alejandro Balde and Gerard Martin to do the job on the left flank. On the right side, Jules Kounde appears set as a starter. Behind him, there is less certainty. Sport report that Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo has been ‘almost ruled out’, despite the Portuguese holding out for a second loan to Barcelona. Recently it has been noted that Barcelona have concerns over his attitude.

Pedri might take Ferran’s spot in the starting XI, but besides that, Flick isn’t considering any changes from the lineup used against Valencia. @scapde_45

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 22, 2024

On the other hand, youngster Hector Fort is yet to convince manager Hansi Flick of his qualities, report the same source. The 18-year-old showed plenty of promise last year under Xavi Hernandez, but played less than expected during preseason, and struggled at times. The 18-year-old was tipped for a first-team role this season, and agreed a contract renewal this summer. Left-back Alex Valle also has fallen down the pecking order, behind Martin.

Olympic Gold medallist and Almeria right-back Marc Pubill has been linked to the Catalan giants after his move to Atalanta collapsed. Certainly it would be a slap in the face for Cancelo, who has spent the entire summer holding out for a move back to Catalonia, if Sporting Director Deco was to discard a move now. It has not been ruled out that Fort could leave on loan before the end of the window either.