Barcelona Poised to Secure First January Signing with Return of Joao Cancelo
Exciting news emerges as talented Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo is inching closer to a second stint at Barcelona, as reported by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo is on the cusp of rejoining Barcelona, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano. The highly-rated Al-Hilal defender, who spent the 2023-24 season on loan at the Catalan club, has made a return to the Camp Nou his top priority, cutting short a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia. He spurned reported interest from Inter to accept the deal.Cancelo's move to Al-Hilal in 2024 was seen as a major coup for the Saudi Pro League, with the club agreeing a deal worth around $30 million with Manchester City for his permanent transfer. He signed a lucrative contract, reportedly earning up to $18m per year. However, his time in Riyadh has been far from ideal. Despite a decent 2024-25 season where he registered six assists and two goals in 31 total appearances, the current 2025-26 campaign has been a struggle due to physical problems and a reported fallout with manager Simone Inzaghi. He has featured in just two Saudi Pro League matches this term, leading to the club's decision to leave him off the foreign player list for the second half of the campaign to free up a spot in the squad. This situation has paved the way for his imminent departure, with reports from Fabrizio Romano giving it his trademark "here we go" statement after the Catalans beat off interest from Inter Milan. Cancelo's previous spell at Barcelona was a resounding success and a proud chapter in his career. Joining on a season-long loan from Man City in September 2023, he quickly became a fan favourite with his combat, technique, and attacking flair. He played 42 matches, scoring four goals and providing five assists across all competitions.He picked perfect moments to make stand-out contributions and was often a key player in major matches, including scoring a man-of-the-match winning goal in a crucial Champions League group stage match against Porto to secure the club's spot in the knockout rounds. His connection with the club and its fans remained strong even after his departure, as he frequently expressed his love for them.Hansi Flick's Barcelona are riding high at the top of La Liga, but are actively seeking defensive reinforcements in the January window. The team has faced challenges in the current season, and the right-back position has been an area of concern.Flick wants a versatile and reliable full-back, a profile that Cancelo perfectly fits. His ability to operate on both flanks and his familiarity with the club's system from his previous spell are seen as major advantages. The potential return offers a significant boost in quality and depth, which the current squad has arguably lacked at times.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingThe urgency of the situation is heightened by the looming transfer deadline. For this move to materialise, all necessary paperwork and agreements between Barca, Al-Hilal, and the player's representatives must be finalised before the close of the winter transfer window on January 31 for La Liga clubs. Negotiations are in their advanced stages, both clubs are working to ensure the deal is completed well before the deadline, allowing Cancelo to be registered and integrated into the squad as quickly as possible for the remainder of Barcelona's challenging season.
The Impending Return of Joao Cancelo
According to the latest reports, Joao Cancelo is eager to rejoin Barcelona after a challenging period with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Despite a promising start in the 2024-25 season, his current campaign has been marred by physical setbacks and reported discord with the manager, leading to limited playing opportunities. The impending loan deal signals a fresh start for Cancelo, who is set to leave Al-Hilal amidst interest from Inter Milan, in favor of a return to the Camp Nou.
Recalling Cancelo's Past Success at Barcelona
Joao Cancelo's initial loan spell with Barcelona in the 2023-24 season was a smash hit, endearing him to the fans with his dynamic playing style and impactful contributions on the field. His versatility to play on either flank and familiarity with the team's tactics made him an integral part of the squad, highlighted by crucial performances in key matches that underlined his quality and commitment to the club.
Barcelona's Strategic Move for Defensive Reinforcement
With Barcelona aiming to bolster their defensive options under Hansi Flick, the potential reacquisition of Joao Cancelo represents a strategic move to address shortcomings in the squad. Flick has pinpointed the need for a dependable full-back with Cancelo's skill set aligning perfectly with the desired profile. The imminent transfer aims to provide Barcelona with a much-needed boost in quality and depth as they navigate the remainder of the competitive season.
Finalizing the Transfer Before Deadline Day
As the transfer deadline approaches at the end of January, Barcelona, Al-Hilal, and Joao Cancelo's representatives are working diligently to finalize the loan agreement swiftly. The urgency of the situation underscores the importance of completing all necessary paperwork and negotiations promptly to ensure Cancelo's seamless integration into the squad for the challenges ahead in La Liga.
