João Cancelo set for permanent Barcelona return | OneFootball

According to Superdeporte, João Cancelo is set to start a third spell at Barcelona, this time on a permanent deal after cutting ties with Al Hilal. He is due to arrive this week if no setbacks arise, and could rejoin the squad for Wednesday's Joan Gamper presentation.

The move would finally make him a Barça player outright. The 32-year-old will sign a two-year contract as a free agent, having secured his release from the Saudi club that initially sought a fee earlier in the window. He has long viewed Barça as his second favourite club after Benfica, where he began.

His first stint came in 2023-24, arriving alongside João Félix. He impressed, playing 42 games, missing the first three after a late-window arrival and five more through injury, and scored four goals, the first two within three matches of his debut.

With Barça unable to afford a permanent deal, Manchester City retrieved him to sell, having earlier loaned him to Bayern Munich and with Pep Guardiola not wanting him in his squad. He joined Al Hilal for €25 million on a contract to 2027.

In January this year Barcelona moved again, although the search had focused on a centre-back. Alejandro Balde's muscle injury opened the door and Cancelo kept the starting spot to the end, making 23 appearances and scoring two goals. His attacking output convinced Flick, who has pushed for his return to compete with Balde.

Source: Superdeporte

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