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BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 17: Joao Cancelo of FC Barcelona celebrates a goal during the Spanish league, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between FC Barcelona and Real Betis at Spotify Camp Nou stadium on May 17, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images
Following Portugal’s untimely elimination from the FIFA World Cup, FC Barcelona are speeding up their pursuit of João Cancelo. The fullback played on loan from Al Hilal last season, and the Catalans are keen on making the deal permanent following impressive performances.
According to RAC1, Barcelona have reached a verbal agreement with Al-Hilal that will see them pay no more than 10 million euros including bonuses for the defender. He had trouble settling in in Saudi Arabia, but he surprised Hansi Flick by putting in impressive performances when he returned to the top five leagues.
The player himself reportedly felt let down by the Saudis, who left him out at a time he needed match rhythm to arrive at the World Cup. He made it clear to them that he was unwilling to return, which left Barcelona in a good negotiating position.
Cancelo will likely sacrifice quite a bit in salary to make the transfer work, but he’s willing to do it to continue playing at the highest level and be at a club he feels comfortable in. He will sign a two-year deal with the option for one more year at Camp Nou.
His transfer means likely exits for Héctor Fort and Xavi Espart, with both a transfer or a loan possible for either. Barça had looked at other options for a left-back in the transfer market, but ultimately their first choice was Cancelo.
Marc Casadó has also reportedly received an offer from Saudi Arabia, but whether he moves will depend on his decision, and it is not expected to have anything to do with this transfer.
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