Cancelo terminates his contract with Al-Hilal and is close to joining Barcelona
Barcelona have received a significant boost in their efforts to re-sign Portuguese defender João Cancelo, as the 32-year-old is close to terminating his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. This move could pave the way for his permanent return to the Catalan giants. Cancelo's future has become a major focus for Barcelona's management, with coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco keen to retain the player after his impressive performances during his previous stint with the club. Barcelona initially considered signing Cancelo for a transfer fee, especially since Al-Hilal had set a price tag of around €10 million. However, recent developments could completely alter the situation if his contract with the Saudi club is terminated. These developments stem from Cancelo's strong desire to leave Al-Hilal, coupled with the club's already crowded roster of foreign players and a strained relationship between the player and coach Simone Inzaghi – all factors that have contributed to his potential departure on a free transfer. Cancelo is highly regarded by Flick, having demonstrated his versatility in various attacking roles during his previous stints, most notably on the left wing. This has reinforced the German coach's belief in the importance of retaining him within Barcelona's project. If the deal goes through, it will be Cancelo's third loan spell at Barcelona. He first wore the club's jersey on loan during the 2023-2024 season under former coach Xavi Hernandez, before returning again in the second half of the 2025-2026 season under Flick. This time, the Portuguese player is keen to make his temporary experience permanent, having expressed his affection for the Catalan club on several occasions, both in his statements and on social media. Cancelo's free transfer from Al-Hilal presents a significant opportunity for Barcelona, allowing them to allocate funds towards the player's salary instead of paying a transfer fee to the Saudi club. This comes at a time when Barcelona is looking to strengthen its squad while maintaining financial stability.
