Al Hilal: João Cancelo is closing in on a return to FC Barcelona

After being loaned out by Al Hilal to FC Barcelona for the second half of last season, João Cancelo now looks set to stay in Spain.

According to Monday's report from Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona is on the verge of finalizing the permanent signing of the Portuguese right-back. The deal is expected to be sealed for a fee between €8 and €10 million. The former Manchester City player is set to sign a two-year contract with the Catalan side.

The decisive factor in the negotiations is the Portuguese defender's clear desire to return to Barcelona. According to "Mundo", the player has told those close to him that staying at Al Hilal is not an option he is currently considering and that he is making every effort to return to Europe by way of the Catalan club whose colors he has already defended.

Read also: FC Barcelona: Hansi Flick makes his stance clear on Ferran Torres' future

As a reminder, Cancelo spent a season at Barça on loan from Manchester City, leaving a strong impression before his move to Al Hilal. The Catalan management is eager to wrap up the deal as soon as possible, giving Flick enough time to integrate the player before the new season kicks off against Elche on August 23.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

Related teams and leagues

Barcelona

Al Hilal