5 days ago
2
Joao Cancelo will return to FC Barcelona in the ongoing transfer window. The Catalan club and Al Hilal have reached an agreement on a loan deal running until the end of the season, under favourable financial conditions.
The veteran Portuguese full-back turned down a higher offer from Inter Milan in order to secure a move back to Barça, where he spent the 2023/24 season on loan.
Advertisement
Everything is ready for the transfer, and Barcelona want the move to be completed at the earliest, within the course of this week, although the process could take longer.
Al Hilal want to keep Cancelo until 12 January
Indeed, according to reports in Saudi Arabia, as relayed by SPORT, Al Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi would like to retain Cancelo until the match against Al Nassr on 12 January, allowing him to leave for Barcelona afterwards.
The match between Al Hilal and Al Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, could be decisive for the outcome of the Saudi Pro League.
Cancelo’s arrival could be delayed for a week. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Advertisement
Although Inzaghi has not counted on Cancelo this season, he would like to have the veteran right-back available for this crucial fixture, alongside the rest of his foreign players, in case his presence is required.
Whether Barcelona are willing to agree to such a request from the Saudi Arabian giants remains to be seen.
What is clear is that Barcelona will immediately activate the long-term injury mechanism for Andreas Christensen, for which they had time until Friday, allowing them to use 80% of his salary until the end of the season, so that they can register Cancelo.
The original idea was for the Portuguese international to join the Barcelona squad in Saudi Arabia, where they are set to play the Spanish Super Cup, or, at the very least, to return with the team if they reach the final this weekend.
In any case, the operation is already closed, pending official confirmation and clarity on the exact timing of Cancelo’s arrival.
English (US) ·