FC Barcelona restructures department and pursues Joao Cancelo loan

FC Barcelona approved a major restructuring of its football department, merging the Barça Atlètic reserve side with the first‑team framework. The board decision gives sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick expanded authority over player transfers and operational matters for the reserve team, aiming for a more coordinated pathway from the academy to the senior squad.

At the same time, the club confirmed that right‑back Joao Cancelo, currently on loan from Al Hilal, is close to completing a loan move to Barcelona pending a medical examination. Goalkeeper Marc‑Andre ter Stegen has been cleared of a knee scare after returning from Saudi Arabia for checks, and fellow goalkeeper Joan García received praise from Deco for his performances in training.