Joao Cancelo (foto: Getty Images)
Barcelona are reportedly close to bringing João Cancelo back from Al Hilal after agreeing personal terms with the Portugal international.
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Barcelona are reportedly closing in on the permanent signing of
João Cancelo, with the Spanish champions expected to pay around
€10 million to
Al Hilal for the Portugal international.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have already reached an agreement with the 32-year-old over a two-year contract, leaving negotiations with the Saudi club as the final hurdle before the transfer can be completed.
Flick wants Cancelo to stay
Before leaving for his summer break, head coach Hansi Flick reportedly identified two major priorities for sporting director Deco.
The first is signing Julián Álvarez as the long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, while the second is ensuring Cancelo remains at Camp Nou beyond his loan spell.
The Portuguese full-back is also keen to continue his career in Barcelona after impressing during the second half of last season.
Al Hilal lowering their demands
Cancelo initially hoped to remain at Barcelona following his first loan spell from Manchester City in 2023, but financial constraints and City's asking price prevented a permanent move.
He later joined Al Hilal in a deal worth around €25 million, before returning to Barcelona on loan in January after new Al Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi decided he was no longer part of his plans.
The Saudi club had reportedly been asking for €15 million, but with Cancelo entering the final year of his contract, their negotiating position has weakened.
Reports in Spain suggest a compromise worth approximately €10 million, including fixed and performance-related payments, is now expected.
Direct route back to Barcelona
Cancelo is due to spend the next three weeks on holiday following Portugal's elimination from the World Cup.
If Barcelona and Al Hilal finalise the agreement during that period, the defender could travel directly to Barcelona's pre-season camp in England without returning to Saudi Arabia.
The move would provide Flick with an experienced and versatile full-back ahead of a season in which Barcelona will again compete for domestic and European honours.