Barcelona have been given a positive signal by Al-Hilal to complete the signature of defender Joao Cancelo on a permanent deal this summer.
Cancelo is wrapping up a second loan assignment at the Spotify Camp Nou, which has proven a roaring success.
He helped the Spanish giant lift the La Liga title as they were dumped out of the UEFA Champions League in the quarterfinal phase.
Despite joining in the second half of the season, Cancelo became an important figure in Hansi Flick’s team, covering either left or right back while dislodging La Masia product Alejandro Balde from the first team.
The Portuguese defender loan deal will expire on June 30 and Barcelona will have to make new plans on his future.
Joao Cancelo celebrates after scoring a goal for Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
According to Mundo Deportivo, Al-Hilal see Cancelo’s permanent departure from their squad, which he joined from Manchester City in 2024, as “inevitable”.
Cancelo’s relationship with Al-Hilal manager Simeone Inzaghi isn’t good and he doesn’t want to return to Saudi Arabia either.
Al-Hilal’s starting price for the Portuguese isn’t the previous $17.5 million (€15 million), and Barcelona will be confident to get a deal through.
Barcelona have also been linked with Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella but the club might reconsider their option taking into consideration the finances involved.
