Deco: Barcelona close to finalising Cancelo deal

Barcelona director Deco confirmed they are “finalising” a deal to bring Joao Cancelo back to the club on loan from Al-Hilal.

The right-back previously joined Barcelona on loan for the 2023-24 season following a falling out with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola over his dwindling playing time.

And now, Cancelo has reportedly fallen out with Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi, leading him to search for a move away from the Saudi Pro League, having joined the club in August 2024.

As such, he has played just twice in the Saudi Pro League this term, with his last appearance coming on September 13.

Inter had been seen as the front-runners to get his signature this transfer window, but Cancelo was said to be waiting for Barcelona to come calling.

Head coach Hansi Flick confirmed they were interested in adding him back to their roster earlier this week, and Deco hinted the deal is very close to going through.

“We are finalising the negotiation,” Deco said.

“He still hasn’t had his medical tests, but he’ll soon fly to Barcelona, and we’ll close the deal.”

At Barcelona, Cancelo led the defenders in chances created (35), crosses (82) and shots (32) in 2023-24, but the Catalan club initially chose not to bring him back to Camp Nou for a second season.

Barcelona have been struggling with injuries, with Flick particularly keen to bring Cancelo back to the club to add depth to his full-back positions.