A talented €10m Al Hilal defender has reached an agreement with FC Barcelona and is set to become the club’s newest signing.
FC Barcelona’s summer transfer window operations have surged into high gear as the Catalan giants close in on securing an essential defensive reinforcement prior to the kickoff of their new La Liga campaign.
Talks with Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal have gathered rapid momentum over recent days, effectively removing major financial roadblocks that had previously stalled progress between the two sides.
The versatile defender proactively accepted a substantial wage reduction to ensure his salary aligns with La Liga’s strict financial fair play regulations.
The Portuguese full-back, finalizing his permanent return to Spanish football, is 32-year-old international star João Cancelo.
Following a highly impactful six-month loan spell at Camp Nou during the second half of last season, Cancelo made his firm intentions clear to Al Hilal management that his sole desire was to rejoin Barcelona rather than stay in Riyadh.
Updates from outlets including Fichajes reveal that the two clubs have struck a verbal understanding on a transfer fee ranging between €8 million and €10 million, including performance add-ons, paving the way for the player to sign an initial two-year contract through June 2028.
Cancelo’s unwavering drive to complete the move served as the primary catalyst in accelerating negotiations between all parties.
Cancelo’s tactical flexibility—being equally elite on both the right and left flanks—makes him an invaluable asset for Hansi Flick’s fluid tactical scheme.
With administrative details and tax residency technicalities now cleared by legal representatives in Spain and Saudi Arabia, the transfer is expected to be confirmed in a matter of hours.
Cancelo is slated to complete his medical examination in Catalonia before immediately linking up with Flick’s first-team squad for pre-season preparations.
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