Barcelona joined by Premier League clubs in the race to sign former defender – report | OneFootball

It is no secret that Barcelona are looking for defensive reinforcements in the market as the club look to replace the injured Andreas Christensen.

Although there is no shortage of options in the market, the club’s economic conditions mean they may only be able to sign players on loan.

One of the players Barça are keeping an eye on is former defender Joao Cancelo, who wants to return to Europe to prepare himself for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Joan Cancelo set to leave Al Hilal

After a loan spell at Barcelona, Cancelo joined Al Hilal in the summer of 2024. But his time in the Middle East hasn’t gone smoothly and the player is currently out of coach Simone Inzaghi’s plans for next year, reports Diario SPORT.

Cancelo, for his part, is unhappy in Saudi Arabia and wants to return to Europe, in order to get ready for the World Cup.

Barcelona are among the clubs interested in his services, although the Portuguese international is not currently at the top of the club’s wishlist.

Will Joao Cancelo return to Barcelona in January? (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

A right-back by trade, Cancelo was an asset under Xavi Hernandez due to his experience and versatility. The Barcelona defence could use some of his qualities heading into the second half of the season.

However, the biggest obstacle for Barcelona will be to convince Al Hilal to either loan him out or sell him extremely cheap. The player, after all, has a contract until 2027.

But the bigger problem is that Barça are not the only club interested in Cancelo, as the defender is also on the radar of several Premier League clubs.

These English clubs will be able to pay off Al Hilal in order to sign the former Juventus and Man City defender, meaning Barcelona may only have an outside chance to sign the player.