Joao Cancelo trains alone as Barcelona work through final details of Al Hilal transfer

Barcelona’s negotiations with Al Hilal over the permanent signing of Portugal full-back Joao Cancelo have reached an advanced stage, with the Catalan club discussing the remaining details of a deal expected to be worth about 10m euros.

According to Sport, Barcelona agreed Cancelo’s salary with the player at the end of last season. However, tax-related issues surrounding the transfer have delayed its completion.

The deal remains a priority for both Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco. Cancelo impressed during his six-month loan spell at Camp Nou, and the club would like to bring him back on a permanent basis.

Cancelo is currently completing individual training with permission from Al Hilal. The Saudi Arabian club does not consider him part of its plans for the new season and has made him available for transfer.

Al Hilal have already strengthened the full-back position by signing Saudi Arabia international Mohammed Mahzari for close to 8m euros. That move underlines the club’s willingness to allow Cancelo to leave, although it is also seeking to recover part of the fee paid when he joined from Manchester City.

As a result, the transfer is expected to be settled for a fee of approximately 10m euros.

Barcelona regard the proposed move as an attractive opportunity both financially and on the pitch. Cancelo produced a strong run of performances in their colours during his loan spell and established himself as a regular at left-back, despite being capable of operating in other positions.

His versatility has been one of the qualities appreciated by Flick, who has also valued the Portuguese defender’s attacking contribution. Cancelo was among Barcelona’s most productive creators during the second half of last season, adding another reason for the club’s determination to complete the transfer.

The player’s current situation at Al Hilal means he is training away from the team while discussions continue. The Saudi club’s decision not to include him in its plans has opened the way for Barcelona to pursue a return, but the tax complications still need to be resolved before the agreement can be finalised.

Barcelona’s previous arrangement with Cancelo over his salary is understood to have removed one of the key obstacles on the player’s side. The outstanding negotiations are instead focused on the financial structure of the transfer and the tax details connected to it.

With Al Hilal seeking compensation for its original investment and Barcelona viewing the potential fee as manageable, both clubs are continuing to work towards an agreement that would see Cancelo return to Camp Nou.