Joao Cancelo’s Barcelona return ‘only days away’ as Al Hilal exit is negotiated

Joao Cancelo is reportedly only days away from returning to Barcelona, with the Portugal international needing to end his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal before the move can be completed.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Barcelona are hopeful of finalising Cancelo’s return in the coming days after receiving fresh indications that the defender wants to rejoin the Catalan club.

Cancelo appeared to reinforce that message on Instagram by posting a photograph of himself wearing a Barcelona shirt. This time, he added an hourglass to the image – a sign that his return is, in his view, only a matter of time.

The financial details of the proposed transfer have not yet been settled. One possibility is that Barcelona will pay between 10m and 15m euros for the 31-year-old, while other reports suggest he could leave Al Hilal on a free transfer.

Al Hilal are understood not to include Cancelo in their plans for next season, a situation that could allow the player to negotiate his departure and clear the final obstacle to a move back to Barcelona.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick considers Cancelo an important part of his defensive plans and sees him as a strong potential addition for the new campaign, particularly following Ronald Araujo’s move to Liverpool.

Cancelo impressed Flick during his loan spell at Barcelona last season and became a versatile option for the team. He can operate on either the right or left side of defence, giving the manager greater flexibility in his starting line-up.

Barcelona and Cancelo have reportedly agreed the player’s salary since the end of last season. However, tax-related issues have delayed the completion of the deal.

The Portugal international has already represented Barcelona in two spells. His first came during the 2023-24 season, when he made 42 appearances, scored four goals and provided five assists.

Cancelo returned to the club for a second spell in January of the recently completed season. He played 23 matches, scoring twice and setting up four goals.

He has won La Liga once with Barcelona.

The club are continuing their preparations for the new season and will complete them with a match against Al Ahli in the Joan Gamper Trophy at Camp Nou next Wednesday.

Barcelona finished as La Liga champions in the last two editions, ending both campaigns above Real Madrid in the table.

They will begin their league campaign in the second round on Sunday, 23 August, when they face Elche. Their opening fixture against Athletic Bilbao was postponed because a large number of players had taken part in the final stages of the World Cup.

Barcelona will play that rearranged first-round match against Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on Thursday, 27 August.