Barcelona sporting director Deco has shared an update on the club’s pursuit of Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo and says he’s hopeful the transfer will be completed soon.
Cancelo has been linked with a loan move to Barcelona for the rest of the 2025-26, with Hansi Flick having already spoken about how he’s happy to have the full-back in his squad again.
The former Manchester City defender also wants to leave Al-Hilal and it’s only a matter of days before the deal gets sorted out.
Joao Cancelo warms up prior to the Saudi Pro League match between Al Hilal and Al Riyadh at Kingdom Arena on August 29, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
Deco was asked about Cancelo before Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup clash with Athletic Club and says he’s hoping everything can be completed in the coming days.
”Hopefully so. We’re finalizing the process. He hasn’t done his medical tests yet, but he’ll be flying to Barcelona soon. We’re going to close the deal,” he told the media.
It’s been reported that Cancelo will undergo medical tests later this week and that Barcelona could officially announce the transfer on Friday.
Cancelo will then spend a second spell on loan at the Camp Nou, with speculation already mounting that he’s eager to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.
