Here we go: Barcelona reach agreement to sign Portuguese international | OneFootball

Barcelona are on the verge of securing their third major signing of the summer, after having roped in Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon.

The next signing on the anvil is Joao Cancelo, who is coming on the back of an impressive loan spell at the club during the second half of last season.

Cancelo looks set to rejoin Barcelona in what would be his third spell at the club.

Barcelona reach agreement for Cancelo

After weeks of negotiations, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has finally given his ‘here we go’ for the Cancelo transfer.

According to the Italian journalist, an agreement has been reached on Cancelo’s contract termination with Al Hilal, clearing the final obstacle to his return.

The full-back has authorisation to travel early next week, and having agreed all terms with Barcelona back in June, he is now ready to put pen to paper.

The key development, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, is that Cancelo has managed to break his contract with Al Hilal, where he had a year remaining, and will now join Barcelona as a free agent.

A free transfer for Barcelona

The manner of Cancelo’s exit represents a significant win for Barcelona, who had been braced for a fee.

Al Hilal had valued the Portuguese at €10 million, but his strong desire to leave, combined with an excess of foreign players at the Saudi club and poor chemistry with coach Simone Inzaghi, ultimately allowed him to terminate his deal and depart for nothing.

That is a huge boost for Barcelona, who will save on a transfer fee and may even be able to offer Cancelo a slightly improved salary as a result. The Catalans intend to hand him a two-year contract, with the player expected to sign on Tuesday.

Cancelo set to become a Barcelona player. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Fulfilling a dream

For Cancelo, the move represents the realisation of a long-held ambition to become a permanent Barcelona player.

The 32-year-old impressed under Hansi Flick during his loan spell, particularly on the left flank, doing enough to convince the German to push for his continued presence.

A self-confessed huge Barcelona fan, Cancelo has made no secret of his affection for the club through numerous statements and social media posts.

His versatility across both flanks makes him a valuable addition, and after two previous loan spells, Cancelo will finally get to call Barcelona home on a permanent basis.