João Cancelo, one step closer to returning to Barcelona

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Getafe Barcelona

25/04/26 16:15:00

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The transfer market has taken an unexpected turn with the news that FC Barcelona and Joao Cancelo are on the verge of reuniting. According to the latest updates from Fabrizio Romano, the Catalan club has made a move by sending a formal proposal to Al Hilal.

The Portuguese full-back has always had a top priority: to wear the Blaugrana shirt again despite tempting financial offers from other destinations. This operation arises in a context of urgency for the club chaired by Joan Laporta due to the long-term absence of Andreas Christensen. The technical team is seeking a reinforcement with guarantees who knows the club well and can provide immediate depth on the wings. Current negotiations focus on a loan that would allow the Portuguese player to leave Saudi Arabia to compete at the highest European level.

🚨🔵🔴 EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona send initial official bid to Al Hilal for João Cancelo.

Loan proposal with small part of salary covered, negotiations ongoing.

❗️ Inter have deal verbally agreed with Al Hilal for Cancelo since last week… but player’s waiting for Barça. pic.twitter.com/T20fWPd1S8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2026

The financial sacrifice for FC Barcelona and Joao Cancelo

The Catalan club has been very transparent about its financial limitations and is not willing to make reckless moves that could jeopardize its long-term stability. The board has informed Al Hilal that the only feasible option is a loan with very specific and controlled economic conditions. They seek an agreement that does not entail a high transfer cost and aligns with current wage margins.

Joao Cancelo is aware that Barcelona cannot compete with the astronomical salaries currently paid in the Saudi professional league. For this reason, the Portuguese international has shown complete willingness to drastically reduce his earnings to fit into the structure. His desire to compete under Hansi Flick's guidance weighs much more than the money amassed in the Middle East.

The feasibility of the operation directly depends on adjusting his salary to the strict economic control of LaLiga, utilizing the margin left by the injured Christensen. The goal is for the defender’s wages not to exceed eighty percent of the salary that the Danish center temporarily vacates. It's a delicate financial balancing act that requires the absolute collaboration of all parties involved in the signing.

Competition from Inter Milan and the Saudi factor

However, the path is not without obstacles, as Inter Milan has forcefully entered the negotiations in recent days. The Italians have a stronger financial position and have already reached a verbal agreement with the Arab club holding Cancelo’s rights. The Nerazzurri are constantly pressuring the full-back's entourage to accept a return to Serie A and abandon his Barça dream.

Although Inter can offer better contractual conditions and immediate stability, the player's commitment to Barcelona seems unbreakable. The Portuguese full-back is hindering any progress with the Italians, waiting for approval from Al Hilal's offices to move forward. The player's patience is a key asset that plays in favor of Barcelona's interests today.

Joao Cancelo fitting into Flick's system

The versatility of the Portuguese defender is a valuable asset that the coaching staff greatly appreciates to face the decisive stretch of the season. His ability to perform on either side or even in central positions would provide the team with much-needed tactical fluidity at this moment. Hansi Flick sees him as the ideal profile to energize a system that requires attacking full-backs with good technique.

The sporting direction is confident that Al Hilal will finally accept the loan offer, understanding that the player only wishes to move to Spain. The next few hours will be crucial to formalize a transfer that has kept the Blaugrana fans on edge throughout the week. Optimism is growing within the club, where they hope to announce the reinforcement before the current transfer window ends.

The final agreement would signify a strategic victory for a Barcelona that continues to demonstrate its significant attractiveness despite economic challenges. Recovering an asset of this caliber at a minimal cost represents a masterful move to strengthen a squad depleted by constant injuries. The resolution appears imminent, and Cancelo's desire is on the verge of becoming an official reality for Barcelona supporters.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Joao Cancelo, a un paso de volver al Barcelona