João Cancelo set for third Barça stint after Al Hilal exit | OneFootball

João Cancelo is set for a third spell at Barça on a permanent deal after leaving Al Hilal. He could arrive in Barcelona this week, subject to no setbacks, and may join Wednesday’s Joan Gamper presentation.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, he will join as a free agent on a two-year contract, aged 32, after the Saudi club initially sought a fee.

His first Barça stint came in 2023-24 alongside João Félix. He impressed, making 42 appearances, missing the first three after arriving at the end of the window and five more through injury, and scored four goals, two in his first three games.

Barça lacked the funds to buy him. Manchester City, who had earlier loaned him to Bayern Munich and with Pep Guardiola unwilling to use him, sold him to Al Hilal for €25 million. He signed for three seasons, to 2027.

In January this year Barça moved again for Cancelo even though they were targeting a centre-back. Alejandro Balde’s muscle injury pushed him into the starting XI and he held his place to the end, scoring two goals in 23 outings. His attacking output persuaded Flick, who has backed his return to compete with Balde.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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