Portuguese defender João Cancelo is on the verge of completing a permanent return to Barcelona after reaching an agreement to terminate his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, according to multiple reports from Saudi Arabia and Spain.
The proposed mutual termination would allow Barcelona to sign the 32-year-old as a free agent, avoiding a transfer fee as the Catalan club continues to operate under strict financial constraints. While neither club has officially announced the termination, negotiations are understood to be in their final stages.
Cancelo was absent from Al Hilal’s opening fixture of the new season, adding further weight to expectations that his departure is imminent. Head coach Simone Inzaghi declined to discuss the defender’s future after the match, stating that contractual matters remained the responsibility of the club’s board.
The move would mark Cancelo’s third spell at Barcelona and his first on a permanent basis. He previously impressed during two separate loan stints, becoming an important part of the squad with his versatility on both defensive flanks and his ability to invert into midfield during possession.
Barcelona’s sporting department has prioritised strengthening the full-back positions ahead of the La Liga campaign, and Cancelo has remained one of the club’s preferred options throughout the summer. Reports in Spain indicate that the Portugal international has consistently expressed his desire to continue his career at Camp Nou.
Cancelo joined Al Hilal from Manchester City in August 2024 after winning multiple major honours across Europe, including three Premier League titles, a Serie A championship and the UEFA Champions League. His time in Saudi Arabia included strong attacking contributions before injuries interrupted part of his campaign, although he recovered to feature prominently during Al Hilal’s Club World Cup run earlier this year.
From Barcelona’s perspective, securing Cancelo without a transfer fee represents significant business. The club has continued to balance squad reinforcement with financial sustainability, making free transfers and loan agreements central to its recruitment strategy. Cancelo’s experience, tactical flexibility and familiarity with the team’s system reduce the adaptation period ahead of the new season.
What is confirmed: Cancelo remains contracted to Al Hilal, Barcelona want the defender, and discussions over his future have been ongoing. His previous loan spell and Barcelona’s interest have both been officially documented.
What is reported: Saudi and Spanish outlets report that Al Hilal and Cancelo are close to signing a mutual termination agreement, which would pave the way for a permanent Barcelona move. As of now, neither club has formally confirmed the settlement.
If the agreement is completed in the coming days, Cancelo is expected to be registered in time for Barcelona’s opening league fixtures, giving the Spanish champions an experienced reinforcement as they begin their title defence.
