Barcelona homegrown star left in limbo as Cancelo signing closes another route for game-time

Key Highlights

• More concerning is the fact that he appears to have become the last option in the pecking order in midfield. Lost in the shuffle.
• (Photo by David Ramos/)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFlick’s and the club’s major bet, as was the case last year, is Marc Bernal, who, after recovering from injury, has been regaining rhythm and is emerging as the clear successor to Frenkie de Jong. In recent matches, Flick has even preferred to use the versatile Eric Garcia as a pivot, despite him not being a specialist in that role.
• Gavi’s return could further complicate the situation. Flick values Casado for his attitude and commitment and gave him the chance to play at right-back in the Copa del Rey match against CD Guadalajara, a position which neither the player nor the coach views as a long-term solution. Now, Barcelona are set to sign Cancelo, who will undergo his medicals tomorrow, on loan until the end of the season.
• His arrival closes the pathway for Casado to operate at right-back as well. As such, the La Masia graduate finds himself in a difficult situation and will need to prove that he can be useful off the bench and fight for minutes.