CLOSED: Barcelona secures its second signing

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Barcelona Athletic Club

16/08/26 17:00:00

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Joao Cancelo is very close to finalizing his return as a FC Barcelona player on a permanent deal, in an operation that should not exceed 10 million euros including fixed and variable amounts. The Portuguese full-back would sign for two seasons, a term that aligns with his 32 years and his contract with Al-Hilal until June 2027.

The deal has gained momentum after Portugal's elimination from the World Cup, a scenario that has unlocked pending contacts. The player's willingness has been decisive: he wants to return to Camp Nou and does not consider staying in Saudi Arabia as his first option.

Joao Cancelo pushes for his departure from Arabia

Barça's main support comes from the player's desire. Joao Cancelo already knows the club, identifies with its style, and understands the demands of a squad that requires full-backs with mobility, technical skills, and the ability to provide solutions in the attacking phase.

Al-Hilal was reluctant to allow a swift exit. The Saudi club made a significant investment to sign him from Manchester City in 2024, but the situation has changed: with only one year left on his contract, the player wants to leave, reducing the leverage to demand a high fee.

Therefore, the final sum points to a carefully managed transfer. The agreement would be below 10 million, a feasible amount for a player with experience at Benfica, Valencia, Inter, Juventus, Manchester City, and Barça. His current market value is around 8 million.

FC Barcelona sees a market opportunity in LaLiga

For FC Barcelona, the move makes sense due to the price, immediate performance, and familiarity with the environment. Cancelo would not require an extended adaptation, crucial in a summer where the club scrutinizes each deal carefully, prioritizing reasonably impactful signings.

Returning to a more comfortable setting within the economic control of LaLiga also helps rationalize the operation. It's not about a high-stakes bet, but a low-cost reinforcement for a critical position, with a player who has already proven himself in the Spanish league.

The Portuguese posted impressive numbers during his time at Barça. According to the club's records, he played 65 official matches, scored 6 goals, and had a significant impact on ball distribution. His profile remains attractive for games where Barcelona needs attacking width.

A full-back for Flick with experience and offensive power

Hansi Flick values players who can vary their position during a match. In this aspect, Joao Cancelo provides a clear advantage: he can play as a right-back, on the left with his weaker foot, and even move inside to create numerical superiority in circulation.

His return would also increase internal competition. Barça needs a deeper squad to compete on all fronts, and in LaLiga, consistency often relies on both the starting XI and the quality of rotations. Cancelo would arrive as a proven option, not an experiment.

The operation also holds an emotional dimension. Despite the economic conditions offered by Arabia, the player has maintained his preference for Camp Nou, a stance instrumental in bringing Al-Hilal to a scenario acceptable for the Catalan side.

The return of Joao Cancelo is pending final details, but negotiations are on track. For less than 10 million, FC Barcelona would regain experience, technical quality, and a full-back who understands the pressures of competing at the Blaugrana club.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, CERRADO: El Barcelona ata su segundo fichaje