Joao Cancelo Closing in on Permanent Return to Barcelona

Joao Cancelo is closing in on a permanent return to Barcelona, with a remarkable twist: the deal could be completed on a free transfer.

The Portuguese full-back is currently tied to Al-Hilal until 2027, and the Saudi Pro League club had been pushing for a transfer fee in the region of €10-15 million during talks over the summer. Those negotiations had threatened to drag, with Barcelona’s tight finances once again a central obstacle.

Now the picture has changed.

“Al-Hilal nears the signing of contract termination agreement with Cancelo, paving the way for his signing with Spanish club Barcelona,” Al-Suwaih reported.

Saudi sports daily Arriyadiyah, via reporter Hamad Al-Suwaih, reports that Al-Hilal are close to agreeing a contract termination with Cancelo. The move would clear the path for him to sign for Barcelona without a transfer fee, a scenario that would suit the Catalan club perfectly as they juggle La Liga’s financial limits.

It would be the outcome Cancelo has been pushing for. The defender has been open about his desire to stay at Barcelona after a successful second loan spell last season, when he became a key part of the side and embraced life back at Camp Nou.

If Al-Hilal complete the termination and Barcelona move quickly, Cancelo could be back in Blaugrana colours in time for the start of the new La Liga campaign, turning a complicated summer saga into one of the club’s most important pieces of business.