Barcelona launch ‘final push’ for defender signing | OneFootball

La Liga champions Barcelona are readying an all-out push to secure the signature of João Cancelo on a permanent basis with a view to next season.

Defender Cancelo of course spent the 2nd-half of the 2025/26 campaign plying his trade on loan at the Spotify Camp Nou, from Saudi side Al-Hilal.

And after quickly establishing himself as a starter, the Portuguese went on to play a leading role for Hansi Flick’s troops. All told, across 16 league appearances, Cancelo racked up five direct goal contributions.

Such efforts proved central in Barcelona turning around the title race, en route to another Spanish top-flight crown.

It therefore came as little surprise when widespread confirmation was forthcoming that the Blaugrana were eager to make Cancelo’s loan move permanent.

And as alluded to above, with the versatile full-back now eliminated from the World Cup, Deco and co. are preparing to ramp up their pursuit.

As per a report from Marca:

‘The Sporting Directorate is now launching a final push for Joao Cancelo. Negotiations had already begun, and an agreement may be imminent. The club’s aim is for the player to be available for the preseason training camp in England, which begins on August 27th.’

Conor Laird – GSFN