Barcelona prepare for Joao Cancelo and Rodri arrivals as deals near completion

Barcelona are set to welcome Joao Cancelo and Rodri on Monday as the club moves closer to completing two major signings designed to strengthen key areas of Hansi Flick’s squad.

The agreements for the two players have reached their final stages, with the next priority being to bring them to Barcelona for medical examinations, contract signings and the final steps before they join training with the first team.

According to Sport, Barcelona have arranged a private flight for Joao Cancelo, who is expected to arrive in the city at about 14:30 local time on Monday. The Portugal international had already shared a photograph from inside the aircraft on Instagram Stories early in the morning.

The plane is expected to land in Barcelona at around 14:00, and Cancelo accompanied the image with the message: “On my way home.”

Cancelo is due to join Barcelona as a free agent after terminating his previous contract. That arrangement means the Catalan club can acquire an experienced and highly regarded player without paying a transfer fee.

Rodri is expected to arrive several hours later, at approximately 19:00. His arrival would bring Barcelona close to completing one of the biggest deals of the transfer window for the club.

The Spain midfielder will travel to Barcelona to undergo his medical and complete the remaining formalities before signing his new contract. The agreement is expected to keep him at the club until June 2030, underlining Barcelona’s determination to secure one of the world’s leading players in his position.

The schedule makes Monday an especially significant day for Barcelona, with Cancelo due to arrive first before Rodri follows later in the afternoon. Once both players are in the city, they are expected to complete their medical examinations and sign their contracts.

The club will then make the transfers official before the players begin the process of fully integrating into Flick’s training sessions.

Barcelona have worked for an extended period to conclude the two operations, although the deals have followed entirely different paths. Together, they would provide reinforcements in two important positions within the squad.

Cancelo’s arrival would come without a transfer fee following the end of his previous contractual arrangement, while Rodri’s proposed long-term deal represents a major investment in a player the club regards as among the best in the world in his role.

All indications are that both players will be present at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday to watch their new team-mates face Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

Their attendance at that match would come before they are fully incorporated into Barcelona’s preparations, with the medical checks, contract formalities and official announcements expected to take place first.