Joao Cancelo hints at Barcelona return amid push for permanent move | OneFootball

Joao Cancelo has fuelled talk of a permanent Barcelona comeback with a social media post, sharing an image in the club’s kit with an hourglass emoji. The 32-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Camp Nou and has been open about returning.

According to Goal.com, negotiations with Al-Hilal are at a positive stage, and Barcelona are prepared to fly the defender to the city early next week once final paperwork is cleared.

The financials have complicated matters. A verbal understanding at around €10 million was followed by claims from Saudi Arabia that Al-Hilal now want €15 million.

Cancelo has continued to train but was left out of Al-Hilal’s league opener against Al-Faisaly on Friday, indicating plans are being made without him. The club have 13 foreign players, while regulations allow only 10 to be registered.

Manager Simone Inzaghi said the full-back is training as usual and that any decision on his future sits with the board.

At Barcelona, Hansi Flick has pushed for a permanent deal after the Portuguese international impressed on loan, valuing his ability to play both flanks and the tactical flexibility that offers.

Cancelo’s stance has remained firm, with his priority a return to Flick’s project as soon as circumstances permit.

Source: Goal.com

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