João Cancelo Nears Permanent Barcelona Transfer After Al-Hilal Agreement
Portuguese full-back João Cancelo, 32, is set to permanently join FC Barcelona from Saudi club Al-Hilal for around €10 million, following a loan spell. Despite Al-Hilal initially summoning him for pre-season, reports confirm a deal for a six-month loan then two-year contract. Cancelo criticized Portugal’s 1-1 World Cup draw with DR Congo, while Barcelona manager Hansi Flick pushed for the transfer. Agent Jorge Mendes facilitated talks, ending uncertainty over Cancelo’s club future.
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Barcelona to Sign Joao Cancelo Permanently from Al-Hilal for €10 Million
According to The Athletic UK's Barcelona correspondent Pol Ballús, João Cancelo is set to join Barcelona permanently from Al-Hilal for a fee of around €10 million, signing a two-year contract. The 32-year-old Portuguese full-back had a successful loan spell at Barcelona, scoring two goals in 23 appearances and helping the team win the league title. Cancelo was selected for Portugal's World Cup squad and started all five matches. He was not Hansi Flick's first-choice defensive target but provides needed reinforcement. This will be Barcelona's second summer signing after Anthony Gordon's €80 million arrival. The article also notes departures of Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford, Iñaki Peña, and Ansu Fati. Cancelo previously played for Manchester City (winning three Premier League titles) and had loans at Bayern Munich and Barcelona before joining Al-Hilal in 2024.
虎扑 - 足球Barcelona to Sign Cancelo on Two-Year Deal for Under €10 Million
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona is close to finalizing a permanent transfer for Portuguese full-back João Cancelo from Saudi club Al Hilal. The deal, worth up to €10 million including add-ons, will see Cancelo sign a two-season contract. Cancelo, who impressed coach Hansi Flick during a loan spell, insisted on joining Barcelona despite Al Hilal's attempts to demand a higher fee. He will make a significant financial sacrifice, giving up most of his remaining Saudi salary. The transfer was accelerated after Portugal's World Cup elimination. Barcelona's next priority is signing forward Julián Álvarez. Tax issues related to Cancelo's residency in Spain are the final hurdle.
虎扑 - 足球Barcelona and Al-Hilal Reach Agreement for Cancelo Transfer for Around 10 Million Euros
According to Spanish radio station COPE, Barcelona and Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have reached an agreement for the transfer of Portuguese full-back João Cancelo. The deal is pending only final signatures. Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick plans for Cancelo to join the team for pre-season training in England. Cancelo previously played for Barcelona on a six-month loan. The total transfer fee is expected to be around 10 million euros, and Cancelo will sign a two-year contract. The news was reported by Hupu Soccer on July 8.
虎扑 - 足球Barcelona and Al-Hilal Reach Agreement for João Cancelo Transfer
FC Barcelona and Saudi club Al-Hilal have reached an agreement for the transfer of Portuguese full-back João Cancelo, according to Spanish radio Cadena COPE. Cancelo, who was on his second loan spell at Barcelona, will not return to Saudi Arabia despite being under contract with Al-Hilal until 2027. The deal involves a six-month loan followed by a two-year contract with Barcelona, with the Catalan club paying approximately €10 million to Al-Hilal. The 32-year-old defender will join Barcelona manager Hansi Flick's squad during their preseason training camp in England. The transfer fulfills Cancelo's wish to remain in Europe.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertJoão Cancelo close to signing permanently for Barcelona
Portuguese full-back João Cancelo, who was on loan at Barcelona from Saudi club Al Hilal last season, is reportedly close to signing a permanent deal with the Spanish club. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has urged sporting director Deco to secure the Portuguese international's transfer, indicating the club's strong desire to retain him. The news comes amid other international football updates, including Lionel Messi's performance in the 2026 World Cup and Brazil's elimination.
RecordAl-Hilal Tightens Grip on Cancelo, Summons Him for Pre-Season
On July 1, 2026, João Cancelo will officially become an Al-Hilal player again after his loan to FC Barcelona ends. The 32-year-old Portuguese defender is Barcelona's top target for the left-back position, but the Saudi club is playing hardball. According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, Al-Hilal intends to enforce Cancelo's contract, which runs until 2027, and has summoned him for pre-season training following his World Cup commitments with Portugal. Portugal faces Croatia in the round of 32 and could play until July 19 if they reach the final. Al-Hilal will hold a training camp in Austria in mid-July. Cancelo wants to stay at Barcelona, but an agreement between the clubs is needed, with a potential transfer fee under 15 million euros. Agent Jorge Mendes is expected to facilitate talks, and the departure of coach Simone Inzaghi, who clashed with Cancelo, may ease his exit.
FútbolCancelo Criticizes Portugal's World Cup Draw as Future with Barcelona Remains Uncertain
Joao Cancelo, 32, is facing a decisive period with both the Portuguese national team and his club future. After a disappointing 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Portugal's 2026 World Cup opener, Cancelo expressed strong self-criticism, calling the result 'a defeat.' He started on the right flank and moved to the left, his usual position under Barcelona coach Hansi Flick. Despite scoring a disallowed bicycle kick, Cancelo lamented Portugal's lack of offensive clarity and rushed play in the final third. Meanwhile, his club future remains unresolved. FC Barcelona is working to sign him permanently from Al Hilal, where he has one year left on his contract. The operation is complex, with Al Hilal's sporting structure and the role of agent Jorge Mendes being key factors. Both Cancelo and Barcelona remain confident a deal can be reached, though negotiations may take weeks.
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