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| Joao Cancelo to Barcelona: Deal Almost Done as Deco Confirms Imminent Loan Move. |
Barcelona are once again making headlines in the transfer market. The Catalan giants are now very close to bringing Joao Cancelo back to Camp Nou, with club director Deco openly confirming that the deal is nearing completion.
Speaking to the media, Deco revealed that negotiations with Al-Hilal are in the final stages. Barcelona plan to sign Cancelo on a loan deal, and only a few formal steps remain before everything is officially sealed.
“We are finalising the negotiations. He hasn’t completed his medical yet, but he will fly to Barcelona soon and we will close the deal,” Deco said, sending a strong signal that the transfer is almost done.
Joao Cancelo is no stranger to Barcelona fans. The Portuguese right-back previously spent the 2023–24 season at the club on loan from Manchester City, after his relationship with Pep Guardiola deteriorated due to limited playing time.
However, Cancelo’s time in Saudi Arabia has not gone as planned. After joining Al-Hilal in August 2024, reports suggest he fell out with head coach Simone Inzaghi. As a result, Cancelo began looking for a way out of the Saudi Pro League in search of regular football.
His lack of minutes tells the story. Cancelo has made just two appearances in the Saudi Pro League this season, with his last outing coming on September 13. That situation has fueled strong speculation about his desire to leave the club.
Inter Milan were initially considered the front-runners to sign Cancelo during this transfer window. However, sources claim the defender was waiting for Barcelona to make a move, prioritizing a return to a club where he already felt comfortable.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick confirmed earlier this week that the club were interested in re-signing Cancelo. With the team currently struggling with multiple injuries, Flick sees Cancelo as an important addition to strengthen the full-back positions.
During his previous spell at Barcelona, Cancelo delivered impressive numbers. In the 2023–24 season, he led all defenders in chances created with 35, completed 82 crosses, and registered 32 shots. Despite those performances, Barcelona initially decided not to keep him for another season.
Now, circumstances have changed. Injuries and squad depth concerns have pushed Barcelona back to the negotiating table. If everything goes according to plan, Joao Cancelo’s return to Barcelona could be officially announced very soon, much to the excitement of the club’s supporters.
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