Barcelona poised to re-sign Joao Cancelo on free transfer | OneFootball

Barcelona are about to finally make their third signing of the summer transfer window, with the player to arrive being Joao Cancelo. For much of the last couple of months, the Catalans have been in talks with Al Hilal regarding a transfer for the Portugal international, and barring any last minute surprises, they will get their man – and on their desired terms.

With a week to go until the 2026-27 La Liga season gets underway for them, Barcelona are still well-short when it comes to signings. Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi are already in the door, but further additions are needed before the transfer window closes at the start of September, with at least one new defender being desired.

Cancelo, who impressed on loan during the second half of last season, has been one of Barcelona’s leading targets for much of the summer, although their pursuit has not been easy. They were dealt a blow when the 32-year-old returned to Al Hilal earlier this month, but fortunately, he will not stay in Saudi Arabia for much longer.

As per reports in Saudi Arabia (via MD), Cancelo is about to reach a mutual contract termination with Al Hilal, which will allow him to finally join Barcelona. The Catalans had always wanted to avoid paying a transfer fee, and although it had looked unlikely at times, it does appear that their wish will be granted in the coming days.

Cancelo was undoubtedly one of Barcelona’s standout players during the second half of last season. He established himself as the club’s starting left-back soon after joining, and his performance levels meant that he was Hansi Flick’s top pick for the position for the remainder of the campaign, which left Alejandro Balde out in the cold.

Cancelo should jet into Barcelona in the next few days, and if so, he will be in the squad for next weekend’s La Liga opener against Elche. However, he may not be fit enough to start, given that he has not featured in any of Al Hilal’s pre-season friendlies.