Barcelona Looks to Complete João Cancelo's Permanent Return
FC Barcelona is working to finalize one of its remaining priorities in the summer transfer window. After the strong impression he made during his previous spell with the club, the Catalan giants are pushing to complete the permanent signing of João Cancelo, who is currently under contract with Al Hilal.
According to multiple reports from Spain, Barcelona is negotiating a deal worth between €8 million and €10 million, a fee significantly lower than the amount the Saudi club paid to sign the Portuguese fullback.
The operation is also being helped by the player's desire to return to European football. Reports indicate that Cancelo did not report for Al Hilal's preseason training camp, making it clear that his priority is to complete a move back to Barcelona.
Flick Wants to Keep the Core of the Squad
Keeping João Cancelo is viewed as an important objective within Hansi Flick's project.
The German manager believes maintaining the backbone of last season's squad will be crucial if Barcelona wants to compete for both LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League, and the Portuguese defender offers a level of tactical versatility that very few fullbacks possess.
His ability to play on either flank while also drifting into midfield during the build-up allows Flick to adjust his tactical shape without making substitutions.
Meanwhile, the club's sporting department, led by Deco, remains optimistic that an agreement can be reached before the transfer window closes, as negotiations with Al Hilal continue to move forward.
A Perfect Tactical Fit for Barcelona
Beyond his international experience, João Cancelo offers exactly the type of profile Barcelona is looking for.
The Portuguese international excels at building play from the back, carrying the ball through midfield, and operating as an additional central midfielder when his team controls possession.
Those movements create numerical superiority in midfield while opening space for the wingers, a tactical concept that has consistently been a key feature of Hansi Flick's teams.
His experience with clubs such as Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Barcelona also brings leadership and composure to a squad that blends experienced veterans with emerging young talent.
With the new season rapidly approaching, Barcelona is eager to accelerate negotiations and avoid leaving the deal until the closing days of the transfer window. If talks continue to progress as expected, João Cancelo could soon become a permanent FC Barcelona player, strengthening a defensive unit that Hansi Flick considers essential to competing for major trophies this season.
