Barcelona new signing could be a valuable option for Flick vs Levante amid lack of minutes

Nearly six weeks have passed since Joao Cancelo re-joined FC Barcelona on a season-long loan from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, yet the Portugal international remains a peripheral figure for Hansi Flick. Despite accepting a pay cut and the prospect of a squad role to force the January move, Cancelo has started only two of the eight matches for which he has been available and has totalled a meagre 12 minutes since the Copa del Rey round at Albacete.

With Barça set to host bottom-side Levante on Sunday, the 19th-placed visitors are expected to sit deep and cede possession, a scenario that places a premium on full-backs capable of stretching a compact back line. According to SPORT, Cancelo’s principal asset—his relentless willingness to drive to the byline—could offer Flick a timely alternative on the right flank, especially if the coach rotates his starters ahead of a congested calendar.

Cancelo’s only two starts underline his rust: he lasted an hour against Real Oviedo before being withdrawn for rhythm issues, then picked up an early, avoidable booking versus Albacete that curtailed his evening at half-time. A late cameo versus Mallorca represented his only action since, while league defeats to Atletico Madrid and Girona came and went without his involvement.

The 30-year-old’s registration for the Champions League knockout phase, completed after he missed the competition’s autumn league segment, adds another incentive for both club and player. Signed for six months, Cancelo is now past the halfway point of that deal with little tangible momentum—yet a defining opportunity could arrive this weekend against Levante if Flick opts for fresh impetus on the overlap.