Headline: Barcelona Moves Closer to Re-Signing Joao Cancelo from Al Hilal
Barcelona is on the brink of re-signing Joao Cancelo for a third time, with the Portuguese defender actively seeking a way out of Al Hilal. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that the club intends to fly Cancelo to the Catalan city early next week, pending final clearance from Al Hilal regarding his departure.
The Blaugrana appear increasingly optimistic about reaching a resolution, particularly with Cancelo himself eager to finalize his return. Recent updates indicate that the defender’s future may hinge on ending his contract with the Saudi Pro League club.
Negotiations are reportedly underway among Cancelo, his agents, and Al Hilal as they seek a suitable solution. Financial aspects have emerged as a primary concern, complicating discussions surrounding the transfer.
Initially, the two clubs seemed to converge on a deal valued at around €10 million. However, Al Hilal subsequently raised their asking price to €15 million, introducing new uncertainties into the potential transfer. This development may have paved the way for alternative solutions, with Barcelona prepared to advance their efforts once they receive the official go-ahead from the Saudi club.
Internally, the Catalan club remains hopeful of finalizing the necessary documentation and reuniting with the Portuguese international within days. This confidence is further bolstered by Cancelo’s precarious standing at Al Hilal, where he was excluded from the matchday squad for their recent league opener.
Barcelona had previously relied on Cancelo’s contributions, making his potential reintroduction to the squad significant. His absence from matches has raised questions, and while coach Simone Inzaghi has stated it is a club matter to address, the situation continues to evolve.
The possibility of Cancelo returning for a third stint in Barcelona, following his previous spells and a loan during the latter half of the 2025-26 season, could add depth to their lineup.
While questions about Cancelo’s defensive reliability persist, his technical prowess and adaptability offer distinct advantages for the team. The ability to play on either side of the defense may prove crucial, especially with the season’s demands and multiple competitions ahead.
For Hansi Flick, Cancelo represents a familiar player who can seamlessly integrate back into the squad, contributing significantly without the lengthy adjustment period that new arrivals often face. If Barcelona secures the transfer under favorable terms, Cancelo’s return could be a strategic move rather than a gamble.
Barcelona could be only days away from bringing Joao Cancelo back to the club for a third spell, with the Portuguese defender working towards an exit from Al Hilal.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are prepared to fly Cancelo to the city early next week once Al Hilal give the final approval for his departure.
Advertisement
The Blaugrana are increasingly confident that the situation will be resolved soon, with the player himself pushing to complete his return.
Barcelona waiting for Al Hilal green light
The Barcelona transfer news regarding the defender suggests that Cancelo’s future could be settled through the termination of his contract with the Saudi Pro League side.
Discussions involving the player, his representatives and Al Hilal are understood to be ongoing as all parties attempt to find a solution.
The financial side of the Joao Cancelo transfer has been one of the main issues during negotiations.
Cancelo has no place in Simone Inzaghi’s squad. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Advertisement
Barcelona and Al Hilal had reportedly appeared to be moving towards a deal worth around €10 million.
However, the Saudi side then raised their asking price to €15 million, creating fresh uncertainty over how the transfer would be completed.
That situation now appears to have opened the door to another route, and Barcelona are ready to act if the Saudi club formally clears the way.
Internally, the Catalan giants are hopeful of completing the necessary paperwork and bringing the Portuguese international back to Barcelona within the coming days.
As far as Cancelo is concerned, the defender’s position at the Saudi club has also strengthened Barcelona’s belief that a solution can be found.
Advertisement
Notably, he was left out of Al Hilal’s matchday squad for their opening league fixture, while Simone Inzaghi has indicated that the player’s future is ultimately a matter for the club to resolve.
Cancelo is close to returning to Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
This would mark Cancelo’s third chapter at Barcelona after his earlier spell and his loan return during the second half of the 2025-26 campaign.
His latest stint gave Hansi Flick another experienced option across both full-back positions, with the Barcelona coach previously highlighting the Portuguese player’s quality and attacking strength.
Advertisement
Cancelo’s return could be a smart move for Barcelona
There will always be questions about Cancelo’s defensive consistency, particularly against the strongest opposition. However, his technical ability and versatility give Barcelona something different.
A player capable of operating on both sides of the defence can be especially useful over a long season, particularly for a squad competing across several competitions.
For Hansi Flick, Cancelo would not be an unknown signing requiring months to settle, as he already knows the environment, and his previous spell showed that he can provide an attacking threat from deep positions.
If Barcelona can complete the deal on favourable terms, Cancelo’s return could prove to be a sensible piece of business rather than a risky transfer gamble.
[/gpt3]