Joao Cancelo wants to remain at Barcelona beyond the current season – report | OneFootball

Barcelona are all set to secure the signing of Joao Cancelo on loan from Al Hilal until the end of the ongoing season. An agreement has been reached between all parties, with an announcement expected possibly on Friday.

Cancelo will arrive on a plain loan agreement for six months until 30 June, with no purchase option included, with Barça covering around €5 million in wages.

Cancelo wants to stay beyond this season

However, according to SPORT, Cancelo wishes to stay at Barcelona beyond this loan spell.

Cancelo had always wanted to return to Barcelona following his first loan spell from Manchester City.

The Portuguese star waited until the final days of the transfer window in 2024 in an attempt to return to Camp Nou, but he ultimately accepted Al Hilal’s transfer offer due to the impossibility of being registered with Barcelona because of the salary cap.

The Blaugrana directors have always appreciated the commitment shown by the 31-year-old to play for the club and did not hesitate to bring him back this month, despite the fact that both Deco and Hansi Flick were looking for a central defender.

Cancelo is set to return and does not wish to leave. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Cancelo is unlikely to have a future at Al Hilal after the end of the season and his wish is to continue as a Barcelona player. At 31 years of age, he believes he can still be an important player and hopes to prove his worth and versatility during these six months on loan.

Cancelo has a contract at Al Hilal until 2027 with a very high salary that is inaccessible for Barcelona.

But he is willing to give up a significant amount of money if the club wishes to retain him, something that would only be possible if he obtains his release from Al Hilal.

The Saudi club paid €25 million for him, but a contract termination cannot be ruled out if they save the entirety of his wages from June onwards.

If Cancelo were to remain at Barcelona beyond the summer, something that will depend on sporting performance and the club’s financial situation, it would close the door on the return of academy product Héctor Fort, who is enjoying a very strong season at Elche CF.