Barcelona eye Joao Cancelo after England pre‑season camp

2027 marks the final year of Joao Cancelo’s contract with Al‑Hilal, and FC Barcelona remain confident they will secure his permanent transfer after the club’s pre‑season camp in England, while the Portuguese full‑back has already agreed personal terms with the Blaugrana and aims to return this summer.

The Portuguese full‑back has signed personal terms with the Blaugrana, signalling his priority to rejoin the club this summer. Barcelona’s next step is to negotiate with Al‑Hilal, where Cancelo remains under contract until 2027, to resolve fiscal and administrative details.

Cancelo’s loan spell officially concluded at the end of June, shortly before Portugal’s World Cup exit. Since then the 32‑year‑old has been on holiday in Sardinia, Italy, awaiting the completion of the deal.

Head coach Hansi Flick notes there is no urgency, as Cancelo has only just begun his vacation. The club does not expect the transfer to be finalised before the first‑team pre‑season camp at St George’s Park.

Consequently, Cancelo is expected to start pre‑season training with Al‑Hilal under Simone Inzaghi. He would then move to Catalonia once the agreement is sealed.

In the meantime, Barcelona have several options on the left side of defence for pre‑season. Alejandro Balde remains the senior choice, while academy prospect Jofre Torrents continues to receive opportunities. Gerard Martin, a natural left‑back now deployed as a centre‑back, also provides cover.

Seventeen‑year‑old academy full‑back Jordi Pesquer has joined first‑team training as Balde follows an individualised fitness programme. Barcelona believe there is ample time to finalise Cancelo’s signing before the La Liga campaign begins with an opening match against Elche on August 23.