Deco says Barcelona close to finalising Cancelo deal
Barcelona director Deco confirmed the club is "finalising" a deal to bring Joao Cancelo back on loan from Al-Hilal.
The right-back previously joined Barcelona on loan for the 2023-2024 season after a falling out with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola over his dwindling playing time.
Now, Cancelo has reportedly fallen out with Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi, leading him to search for a move away from the Saudi Pro League, having joined the club in August 2024.
As such, he has played just twice in the Saudi Pro League this season, with his last appearance coming on 13 September.
Inter had been seen as the front-runner to get his signature this transfer window, but Cancelo was said to be waiting for Barcelona to come calling.
Manager Hansi Flick confirmed the club was interested in adding him back to its roster earlier this week, and Deco hinted the deal is very close to going through.
"We are finalising the negotiation," Deco said. "He still hasn't had his medical tests, but he'll soon fly to Barcelona, and we'll close the deal."
At Barcelona, Cancelo led the defenders in chances created (35), crosses (82) and shots (32) in 2023-2024, but the Catalan club initially chose not to bring him back to Camp Nou for a second season.
Barcelona has been struggling with injuries, with Flick particularly keen to bring Cancelo back to the club to add depth to his full-back positions.
