Joao Cancelo's Potential Permanent Return to Barcelona

Joao Cancelo is edging closer to the Barcelona return he has been pushing for all summer – and this time it could be permanent, and even free.

The Portugal international is currently tied to Al-Hilal until 2027, with the Saudi Pro League club having initially looked for a transfer fee in the region of 10–15 million euros during negotiations with Barça over recent weeks.

That stance now looks to be softening.

According to Saudi sports daily Arriyadiyah and reporter Hamad Al-Suwaih, Al-Hilal are close to agreeing a contract termination with Cancelo. The report states that the club “nears the signing of contract termination agreement with Cancelo, paving the way for his signing with Spanish club Barcelona.”

If that deal is finalised, it would clear the path for Barcelona to bring the full-back back to Montjuïc without paying a transfer fee, a significant boost for a club still working under tight financial restrictions.

Cancelo has never hidden his intentions. After a successful second loan spell at Barcelona last season, he made it clear he wanted to stay, repeatedly expressing how much he enjoyed his time at the club and his role in the team.

Now, with the new La Liga campaign fast approaching, the possibility of Cancelo pulling on the Barcelona shirt again is no longer just a wish. It is moving into view, and quickly.