With the summer transfer window just around the corner, one of Barcelona’s priorities will be to ensure the permanent signing of Joao Cancelo.

Although the club are struggling to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal, Cancelo is expected to be an easier operation due to his lower market value.

It has been reported already that the Portuguese international is keen on remaining at Barcelona, and is ready to take a paycut in order to ensure his permanent move to Catalonia.

A fresh report from Diario SPORT suggests that Hansi Flick himself is impressed with the performances of Cancelo and is pushing for his continuity at the club beyond this season.

The Portuguese returned to Barcelona in the winter transfer window, and his role under Flick has quickly become well defined.

Cancelo wants to continue at Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Despite his versatility, Cancelo has been deployed almost exclusively as a left-back, starting eleven games and coming off the bench in four more in that position. His only appearance on the right came in a Copa del Rey tie against Albacete.

Crucially, the return of Alejandro Balde from injury has done nothing to dislodge him from Flick’s plans. Cancelo has retained his starting spot in the Champions League ahead of the Barcelona-born defender.

He has also been preferred in key moments off the bench, including in the La Liga derby against Espanyol and the Copa del Rey clash against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.

On a personal level, Cancelo has made his position clear. Under no circumstances does he wish to return to Al Hilal, where he is contracted until 2027.

Both the player and the club are said to be fully committed to finding a solution that keeps him at the Nou Camp, with a three-way agreement between Barcelona, the player and Al Hilal considered achievable.