Barcelona are increasingly confident of bringing João Cancelo back to Camp Nou, with the Portuguese full-back now discussing the termination of his Al-Hilal contract as the Catalan giants prepare for his return.
The latest developments suggest the long-running saga could finally be approaching its conclusion, with Barcelona expecting Cancelo to arrive in the coming days if the final formalities are completed.
Recent reporting from Spain and Saudi Arabia points towards a breakthrough after weeks of uncertainty.
Barcelona Believe Cancelo Return Is Close
Cancelo has been one of Barcelona's priorities for the final stages of the transfer window.
The 32-year-old already knows the club well, having spent the second half of the previous season on loan at Barça from Al-Hilal. His performances convinced Hansi Flick that he could remain an important part of the squad.
Barcelona's interest has therefore never really disappeared.
The problem was his contractual situation.
Cancelo remained under contract with Al-Hilal until 2027, meaning Barça initially faced the prospect of negotiating a transfer fee with the Saudi club. Reports in recent weeks suggested that a fee in the region of €8-10 million could be enough to complete the operation.
Now, however, the situation appears to have taken another turn.
Cancelo Discussing Contract Termination
Saudi reports have indicated that Cancelo is discussing the possibility of terminating his Al-Hilal contract.
That would dramatically simplify Barcelona's route to bringing him back.
Instead of negotiating a conventional transfer, Cancelo could become available as a free agent if an agreement is reached with Al-Hilal.
Recent reporting says the defender is close to resolving his situation with the Saudi club, while Barcelona are preparing for his arrival.
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Importantly, the termination has not yet been officially confirmed.
That means Barcelona's confidence should not be confused with the transfer being completed.
Cancelo Has Made His Preference Clear
The player's desire has been one of the most consistent elements of the saga.
Cancelo wants to remain in Barcelona.
After returning to Al-Hilal following his loan spell, the Portuguese defender has continued to be linked with a permanent return to Catalonia, while reports have suggested he has little interest in continuing his career in Saudi Arabia.
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His previous spell under Flick was particularly important.
The Barcelona manager appreciated Cancelo's ability to operate on both sides of the defence, giving him tactical flexibility when selecting his back four.
That versatility remains one of the biggest reasons Barça want him back.
Why Flick Wants Cancelo
Barcelona already have promising young defenders, but Cancelo offers something different: experience.
He can play at right-back or left-back, contribute in possession and provide an attacking outlet from deep.
That flexibility could be especially valuable across a long season involving La Liga, the Champions League and domestic cup competitions.
Flick also knows exactly what he is getting.
Rather than bringing in a player who needs months to understand his tactical demands, Barcelona would be re-signing someone who has already worked within his system.
The Financial Side
Barcelona's financial situation has made the deal more complicated than it might otherwise have been.
A significant transfer fee for a player approaching his 33rd birthday would have required careful consideration.
That is why reports of a possible contract termination are so important.
If Cancelo can resolve his Al-Hilal situation and become a free agent, Barcelona would potentially avoid paying a substantial transfer fee, although the player's wages and registration would still have to be managed.
Earlier reports had suggested that Al-Hilal were initially looking for a fee approaching €15m, before negotiations moved towards a lower figure.
A Third Barcelona Spell
If the deal is completed, Cancelo will begin his third spell with Barcelona.
His first came during the 2023/24 campaign, when he joined from Manchester City on loan.
He subsequently returned to Barça from Al-Hilal on loan in January 2026, with Barcelona officially confirming that agreement at the time.
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A permanent return would therefore bring an unusual transfer saga full circle.
Cancelo would go from being a temporary solution to becoming a long-term member of Flick's squad.
The Final Steps
Barcelona now appear to be waiting for the final pieces to fall into place.
Cancelo must resolve his contractual situation with Al-Hilal, while the relevant paperwork and registration procedures still need to be completed.
The latest reports indicate that Barcelona expect the Portuguese international to arrive within days, but until the agreement is formally signed, the transfer should still be described as imminent rather than completed.
🚨 ARENA ALERT
João Cancelo is closing in on a Barcelona return.
The Portuguese defender is working on resolving his Al-Hilal contract situation, while Barça are increasingly confident that they will be able to bring him back to Camp Nou.
The final agreement is still required.
But after months of uncertainty, Cancelo's Barcelona comeback now appears closer than ever.
Arena Alert! 🚨🔵🔴
Fan Debate
⚽ Goal: Is Cancelo the right addition for Barcelona?
🔥 Fire: Does Flick need him?
😲 Shock: Would you have expected a contract termination to solve the saga?
👍 Like: Rate Cancelo's previous Barcelona spell.
💬 Comment: Should Barcelona make Cancelo a permanent starter?
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