Barcelona plan to complete veteran defender’s signing after England pre-season camp | OneFootball

FC Barcelona remain confident of completing the permanent signing of Joao Cancelo, although the transfer is not expected to be finalized until after the club’s pre-season training camp in England, reports Mundo Deportivo.

The outlet claims that the Portuguese full-back has already agreed personal terms with the Blaugrana, making it clear that his priority is to return to the club this summer

The only remaining step is for Barcelona and Al-Hilal, where Cancelo is under contract until 2027, to finalise the transfer once a number of fiscal and administrative details are resolved.

No rush from Barcelona

Cancelo’s loan spell officially ended at the end of June, shortly before Portugal’s elimination from the World Cup.

Since then, the 32-year-old has been enjoying his summer break in Sardinia, Italy, while waiting for the two clubs to complete the agreement.

Likely to arrive next month. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Within Barcelona there is no sense of urgency. Head coach Hansi Flick is aware that Cancelo has only recently begun his vacation period, and the club does not expect the transfer to be completed before the first team’s pre-season camp at St George’s Park.

As a result, Cancelo is likely to begin pre-season training with Al-Hilal under Simone Inzaghi before eventually making the move to Catalonia.

Squad options during preseason

Barcelona believe there is sufficient time to finalise the operation before the start of the La Liga campaign, with their opening league match scheduled for August 23 against Elche.

In the meantime, Flick has several options on the left side of defence during pre-season.

Alejandro Balde remains the senior choice, while academy prospect Jofre Torrents continues to receive opportunities.

Balde will be hoping to impress in pre-season. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Gerard Martin, naturally a left-back but increasingly used as a centre-back, also provides cover in the position.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old academy full-back Jordi Pesquer has joined first-team training over the past couple of days as Balde followed an individualised fitness program, giving the coaching staff another young option during preseason preparations.

What appears clear is that Barcelona remain confident of finalising the deal for Cancelo, after his second successful loan spell at the club, in the coming weeks.