Barcelona and Al Hilal wait for an agreement for Joao Cancelo

Barcelona and Al Hilal wait for an agreement for Joao Cancelo

According to

Sports.

Background

Joao Cancelo has performed brilliantly during his loan stint at Barcelona, leading the club to decide to sign him permanently. His situation is crucial in talks with Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal as he seeks to avoid a return.

Why it matters

Joao Cancelo making a permanent move to Barcelona is important for the club, especially as their priority is on a new center forward. Cancelo impressed everyone with his performances in La Liga last season, and his permanent signing will add to the team's strength. Additionally, the negotiations with Al Hilal also reflect the competition between Saudi Pro League clubs.

Key Points

• Barcelona and Al Hilal wait for an agreement for Joao Cancelo.
• Barcelona are in talks with Al Hilal over a permanent deal for Joao Cancelo, with the player skipping training in an attempt to push through the deal..
• Top defensive target awaiting agreement between Barcelona and Al Hilal as he skips club training - Yahoo Sports.

Barcelona's priority at the moment is to sign a new center forward, but the club are also working to sign Joao Cancelo permanently. The Portuguese full-back impressed during his short loan stint at the Camp Nou in the second half of last season, and now Barcelona are keen to make the deal permanent.

The club is currently in active negotiations with Al Hilal. Cancelo himself is pushing for a deal as he wants to avoid returning to the Saudi club.

According to Diario Sport, Cancelo is in an awkward position as he waits for Barcelona to confirm his return. He was due to start pre-season with Al Hilal last Wednesday, but he deliberately did not attend training and did not join his Saudi teammates in Austria. Instead, he is training alone in Portugal to maintain his fitness while the two clubs negotiate a deal.

Cancelo has not hidden his condition, posting a photo on his Instagram in which he is working out with personal trainers at a sports facility in the Hague. His clear objective is to be ready to play immediately under Hansi Flick. The report also says that the deal is progressing rapidly. The transfer is expected to cost around 10 million euros, as Al Hilal reduced their initial demand.

Cancelo is under contract until 2027 and is entering the final year, making his departure from the Saudi Pro League even simpler. This situation is similar to the recent transfer of Ruben Neves, who also had his situation facilitated due to contract conditions. The attraction of a permanent conversion is obvious from Barcelona's point of view, as Cancelo performed brilliantly during his loan spell. Hansi Flick was completely satisfied with the Portuguese player, deploying him mainly at left-back, whereas his natural position is right-back.

The Germans considered his arrival a great success, especially given the doubts surrounding the first move. A permanent return would be Cancelo's third spell at the club, having previously played on loan at Manchester City during the 2023–24 season. For now, the defender will have to wait his turn, training alone in Portugal, until Barcelona and Al Hilal finalize the deal that would bring him back to Catalonia permanently.

What will happen next

Talks between Barcelona and Al Hilal will continue, keeping an eye on Cancelo's situation. If the deal is successful, Cancelo could join Barcelona soon and would be ready to play under Hansi Flick. Meanwhile, Cancelo will continue personal training to maintain his fitness, so that he can join the team as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What agreement is being reached between Barcelona and Al Hilal for Joao Cancelo?

Barcelona are in active talks with Al Hilal to sign Joao Cancelo permanently.

When did Joao Cancelo confirm his position?

Cancelo posted a photo on his Instagram in which he is working out with personal trainers, which makes his condition clear.

Why did Cancelo not participate in pre-season with Al Hilal?

Cancelo deliberately did not take part in training as he awaits confirmation from Barcelona about his return.

Why is Barcelona now active in signing Cancelo?

Barcelona's priority at the moment is to build a new centre.

want to sign Howard, but they are also working to sign Cancelo permanently.

How much could Cancelo's transfer cost?

The transfer cost is expected to be around 10 million euros, as Al Hilal reduced their initial demand.

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