Barcelona delay transfer plans as wait for defender goes on | OneFootball

Barcelona have not been overly busy on the transfer front since the 2025-26 season came to a close in late May. They have already sealed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, but especially when compared to arch rivals Real Madrid, they have been much less active.

It’s not necessarily for the lack of trying. Barcelona are desperate to sign a new striker to replace the departing Robert Lewandowski, but their ambitions to secure the services of Julian Alvarez have been thwarted by Atletico Madrid up until now – and when it comes to defender additions, they have also fallen short until now.

Barcelona are expected to pursue the signing of at least two new defenders, with a full-back and centre-back on their agenda. Their top target for the former is Joao Cancelo, whom they are determined to re-sign for the third time – but for the first time, they want him permanently.

However, talks with Al Hilal have not been straightforward, despite the fact that the Saudi Pro League side have lowered their demands in recent weeks. Their asking price is still far above what Barcelona are prepared to pay, which has led to negotiations grinding to a halt for the time being, although the Catalans are still set to signing the Portugal international.

As per Sport, Barcelona have decided that they will not try to sign any Cancelo alternatives until they know for certain whether a deal can be done with Al Hilal. Hansi Flick and Deco are in agreement that the 32-year-old is the best full-back option on the market, which is why they are prepared to see the operation through to the end.

Barcelona could be waiting a while

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The problem for Barcelona is that Al Hilal are unlikely to make a final decision on Cancelo anytime soon. They are in the process of hiring a new sporting director, and once they do, a decision must be made on whether head coach Simone Inzaghi must be sacked – if he is, the new manager will be given the final say on whether a deal can be done with the La Liga champions.