Al Hilal ready to allow Joao Cancelo to join Barcelona | OneFootball

Despite having signed Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, it has been a frustrating summer transfer transfer window for Barcelona. They have struggled to agree deals for their leading targets – those being Julian Alvarez and Joao Cancelo – and this has led to doubts about whether they will eventually join.

In the case of Alvarez, the chances of Barcelona signing him are gradually reducing. Atletico Madrid are determined not to sell to a direct rival, which has led the Catalans to start considering alternatives in anticipation of missing out on the Argentina international. However, there is much more confidence that there will be a positive outcome with Cancelo, who could be set for a third spell at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Cancelo is desperate to re-join Barcelona on a permanent basis, although Al Hilal have been clear that they want their demands met in order for an agreement to be reached. These had been too much for the Catalans previously, although Sport have now reported that the Saudi Pro League club are ready to make it easier for the Portuguese defender to get his dream move.

Previously, Al Hilal had been open to keeping Cancelo for the final year of his contract, which is why their demands had been high. They have now decided to sell, with the intention being not to make it difficult for Barcelona to get their man.

Cancelo due back at Al Hilal this week

Despite this, Cancelo will be back in Saudi Arabia this week for the start of his pre-season with Al Hilal. The report notes that he’s required to train with his teammates until an exit is agreed, so unless Barcelona manage to get everything sorted in the next 48 hours, the 32-year-old will be forced to return to the orders of Simone Inzaghi, with whom he has a poor relationship.