João Cancelo on the verge of returning to Barça

João Cancelo is seriously closing in on a return to FC Barcelona. The 32-year-old Portuguese defender is believed to have already secured a preliminary agreement between the Catalan club and Al-Hilal, his current employer.

A transfer taking shape

According to COPE, Barcelona have reached common ground with Al-Hilal for a deal estimated at around €10 million. Matteo Moretto also confirms that Cancelo is now very close to rejoining Barça. The player is even expected in Spain in the coming days, pending final approval from the Saudi club.

João Cancelo has already worn the blaugrana shirt during two loan spells, first joining from Manchester City, then from Al-Hilal. His contract in Saudi Arabia runs until June 2027. The Portuguese international hasn’t hidden his desire to return to Barcelona, even posting a photo of himself in the club’s shirt on Instagram, accompanied by an hourglass emoji.

65 appearances with Barça

Cancelo already boasts solid experience with the Catalan giants. He has played 65 matches, scoring 6 goals and providing 9 assists, and won La Liga during his first stint. His versatile profile allows him to operate on both flanks of the defense.

Also read: Real Madrid: Andriy Lunin offered to Juventus

Cancelo’s return could prove especially valuable for Barça in the short term. Unlike a new signing who would still need time to adapt to Catalan football, the Portuguese defender already knows the club, its style of play, and much of its environment. His experience is also an asset for a team competing on multiple fronts. The final hurdle remains the definitive green light from Al-Hilal.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

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Barcelona

Al Hilal

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