Approaching Barcelona return
João Cancelo is closer than in a long time to a return to Barcelona. Al-Hilal has given the green light for a sale this summer – and negotiations between the clubs are now in full swing.
32-year-old João Cancelo is on his way to becoming a new Barcelona player in this transfer window – after Al-Hilal have taken steps to facilitate a sale. Talks between the clubs are ongoing, and the Saudi Arabian club are hoping to complete the transfer for a sum close to 10 million euros. The player himself is still training alone in Portugal.
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The future of the Portuguese international has been marked by uncertainty for several days – but now the picture is starting to clear. Cancelo’s priority is still a return to Camp Nou, and both Barcelona and those close to him are keeping negotiations open to close the deal before the window closes.
Al-Hilal opens for sale
The situation for the defender took a new turn after he did not show up for Al-Hilal’s pre-season. Saudi Arabian media came up with conflicting versions of the incident – some pointed to a possible disciplinary conflict, others claimed that the player had permission to sit out.
Regardless of the version, the essential thing is that Al-Hilal is now actively working to get him out. Cancelo has a contract until 2027, but the club has opened up for negotiations and hopes to reach an agreement with Barcelona.
According to the latest reports, the transfer fee is around 10 million euros – an amount that is lower than what was speculated about earlier this summer. This adjustment has helped to unlock the negotiations.
Barcelona prioritizes Cancelo
In Barcelona’s sporting planning, the Portuguese remains one of the priorities to strengthen the full-back positions. Hansi Flick values his versatility – the ability to play on both sides of the defence – as a quality the coaching staff values highly.
During his previous stay at Barcelona, the Portuguese again became an important part of the rotation. In the second half of last season, he played 23 official games, with 2 goals and 3 assists – numbers that strengthened the club’s interest in negotiating continuity.
While the agreement between the clubs is finalized, Cancelo is training individually in Portugal – pending final permission to join the Barcelona squad.
Entering the decisive phase
Negotiations between Barcelona, Al-Hilal and agent Jorge Mendes are ongoing with the aim of exchanging final documentation. The Saudi Arabian club has shown a willingness to negotiate and is now waiting for Barcelona’s final decision on the financial terms.
If nothing changes in the next few days, João Cancelo could complete his return to Barcelona before the transfer window closes. The negotiations are unlocked – and both parties are working to get the deal done as quickly as possible.
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