Cancelo breaks up with Al Hilal and is already traveling to Barcelona

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17/10/26 18:30:00

6.50 5.00 1.38

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Joao Cancelo, a 32-year-old full-back, is close to fulfilling his wish of returning to become a FC Barcelona player after making progress in the termination of his contract with Al Hilal. The Catalan club expects to finalize the last details in the coming days and have the Portuguese player before the Trofeo Joan Gamper on August 19.

The operation's terms have changed in recent weeks. Al Hilal initially demanded between €10 and €15 million to authorize Cancelo's departure, but the player has remained firm in his decision to play for Barcelona, and discussions have shifted towards an early termination of his contract.

🚨🔵🔴 Barcelona are confident to get green light for João Cancelo’s comeback and proceed with his return next week.

Cancelo, discussing contract termination at Al Hilal as Saudi sources reported — with Barça expecting him to arrive in few days. pic.twitter.com/FfKwVcsB7P

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2026

Joao Cancelo pushes for his exit from Al Hilal

The agreement would allow FC Barcelona to avoid a transfer fee for Joao Cancelo, whose contract with the Saudi club was set to expire on June 30, 2027. The full-back moved to Riyadh in 2024 when Manchester City sold him to Al Hilal for around €25 million.

Cancelo has once again used his social media to express his intention to return. The Portuguese player posted a picture from behind wearing the blaugrana shirt as negotiations entered their final stage, having identified Barcelona as his top destination during the summer.

His arrival would mark a new phase at Barcelona. After a loan spell in the 2023-24 season, he returned again in January 202623 official matches, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

His performance during those months convinced Hansi Flick to keep him in his plans. Cancelo operated mainly on the left flank and managed to secure a spot in a squad that clinched LaLiga title. However, his versatility to also play on the right side expands the coach's options. In recent weeks, Al-Hilal was causing Barcelona many issues with Cancelo's signing.

FC Barcelona awaits Cancelo before the Gamper Trophy

The addition of Joao Cancelo aligns with Barça's recent market strategy. The club has just secured the arrival of Rodri Hernández, providing balance in midfield when full-backs push forward.

Flick also has wingers like Raphinha and Anthony Gordon on the left, offering defensive cover. This setup gives the coach different options to capitalize on Cancelo's offensive contributions without constantly modifying the system when he ventures forward.

Barça is gearing up for the start of LaLiga in the upcoming days and is still active in the transfer market to complete the squad. The main offensive focus remains on finding a striker, with the club's sporting directors concurrently working on finalizing the Portuguese full-back's deal.

The next step involves formalizing the termination between Joao Cancelo and Al Hilal, followed by completing the paperwork with FC Barcelona. The internal aim is for the player to travel to Barcelona this week and be ready around the Joan Gamper on Wednesday, August 19.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Cancelo rompe con el Al Hilal y ya viaja hacia Barcelona