Barcelona ready to sign Cancelo: a return to the nest?
Barcelona is close to signing Joao Cancelo, a Portuguese defender who could return to the club for a third time. The team is prepared to fly Cancelo to the city early next week.
What happened?
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona is prepared to fly Cancelo to the city early next week once Al Hilal gives the final approval for his departure. The Blaugrana are increasingly confident that the situation will be resolved soon, with the player himself pushing to complete his return.
Why it matters for Barcelona?
The Barcelona transfer news regarding the defender suggests that Cancelo's future could be settled through the termination of his contract with the Saudi Pro League side. Discussions involving the player, his representatives and Al Hilal are understood to be ongoing as all parties attempt to find a solution.
What comes next?
The current situation appears to have opened the door to another route, and Barcelona are ready to act if the Saudi club formally clears the way. Internally, the Catalan giants are hopeful of completing the necessary paperwork and bringing the Portuguese international back to Barcelona within the coming days.
Why is Cancelo important for Barcelona?
Cancelo's position at the Saudi club has also strengthened Barcelona's belief that a solution can be found. Notably, he was left out of Al Hilal's matchday squad for their opening league fixture, while Simone Inzaghi has indicated that the player's future is ultimately a matter for the club to resolve.
What does this mean for Barcelona?
The return of Cancelo could be a smart move for Barcelona. There will always be questions about Cancelo's defensive consistency, particularly against the strongest opposition. However, his technical ability and versatility give Barcelona something different. A player capable of operating on both sides of the defence can be especially useful over a long season, particularly for a squad competing across several competitions.
What comes next?
The return of Cancelo could be a sensible piece of business rather than a risky transfer gamble. If Barcelona can complete the deal on favourable terms, Cancelo's return could prove to be a good decision for the club.
Current league standing
Barcelona is currently leading the league, with 9 points of advantage over Real Madrid. In the current season, the team has scored 84 goals and conceded 30 goals, resulting in a +54 goal difference. Their next fixture is on 21 February 2027, against Levante at home.
