Joao Cancelo set to rejoin Barcelona in proposed loan, Romano says

Goal reports Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo is on the verge of rejoining Barcelona in a proposed loan deal, with transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano applying his 'Here We Go!' tag.

The 2023–24 Barcelona loanee remains keen to return to the Camp Nou after cutting short a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia. Cancelo joined Al-Hilal in 2024 in a transfer worth around £22 million from Manchester City and reportedly signed a contract earning up to £13m per year. He enjoyed a solid 2024–25 campaign — six assists and two goals in 31 appearances — but has struggled this season with physical problems and a reported fallout with manager Simone Inzaghi, featuring in just two Saudi Pro League matches and being left off the club's foreign player list for the second half of the campaign. His previous season-long loan at Barcelona yielded 42 matches, four goals and five assists, including a man-of-the-match goal against Porto in the Champions League group stage, and Romano says Barcelona beat off interest from Inter Milan.

Hansi Flick's side, top of La Liga but seeking defensive reinforcements and cover at right-back, are pursuing a versatile full-back who knows the club. Negotiations are said to be in advanced stages, with all paperwork and agreements needing to be finalised before the winter transfer window closes on January 31 at 11pm GMT (12am CET) so Cancelo can be registered and integrated into the squad.

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Sports, Joao Cancelo, Barcelona, Al-hilal, Fabrizio Romano, Hansi Flick