RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesTop defensive target awaiting agreement between Barcelona and Al Hilal as he skips club training
While Barcelona’s priority right now is to sign a new centre forward, the club are also working on a deal to sign Joao Cancelo permanently.
The Portuguese full-back impressed during his short loan stint at Camp Nou during the second half of last season, and Barcelona are now keen on making that deal permanent. They are in active negotiations with Al Hilal.
Cancelo himself is pushing for the move, as he looks to avoid returning to the Saudi club.
Cancelo waiting for an agreement
Cancelo keen on returning to Barcelona. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
According to Diario SPORT , Cancelo has been left in a state of limbo as he awaits confirmation of his return to Barcelona.
The full-back was due to begin pre-season with Al Hilal last Wednesday but has deliberately stayed away, choosing not to report for training with his Saudi teammates in Austria.
Instead, he is training on his own in Portugal to maintain his fitness while the two clubs thrash out a deal.
The Portuguese has made no secret of his situation either, posting a photo on Instagram of himself working out at a sports facility in the Algarve alongside personal trainers, with the clear aim of being ready to feature under Hansi Flick immediately.
A deal edging closer
The report adds that the move appears to be progressing rapidly.
The transfer fee is expected to be in the region of €10 million after Al Hilal lowered their initial asking price.
The fact that Cancelo is entering the final year of his contract, which runs until 2027, has only made his departure from the Saudi Pro League more straightforward.
Barcelona are closing in on an agreement with Al Hilal. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)
It is a scenario that mirrors the recent move made by Ruben Neves, another player who attracted interest but whose situation was eased by his contractual standing.
Why Barcelona want him
The appeal of a permanent move is obvious from Barcelona’s perspective, given how well Cancelo performed during his loan spell.
Flick was thoroughly satisfied with the Portuguese, deploying him primarily at left-back despite his natural position being on the right.
The German considered his arrival a resounding success, particularly given the doubts that surrounded the initial move.
A permanent return would mark Cancelo’s third spell at the club, having previously played on loan from Manchester City during the 2023-24 campaign.
For now, though, the defender must bide his time, training alone in Portugal as he waits for Barcelona and Al Hilal to finalise the agreement that would bring him back to Catalonia for good.
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