GOOD NEWS! João Cancelo will return to Barça next season for an undisclosed fee. João Cancelo is excited about returning to Barcelona, but he must first pass a strict requirement imposed by manager Hansi Flick before he can return
The Comeback Story: Could João Cancelo Return to FC Barcelona?
Strong and growing reports suggest that FC Barcelona are seriously considering bringing back Portuguese full-back João Cancelo on a permanent basis. Currently contracted to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, Cancelo could be available for transfer this summer. According to information published by Marca and relayed through IndeksOnline, Al-Hilal have set Cancelo’s release clause at approximately €15 million—a fee that now seems realistic and achievable given that Barcelona’s financial situation has improved compared to previous seasons.
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🧠 Why Are Barcelona So Eager to Re-Sign Cancelo?
Cancelo had an impactful loan spell at Barça during the 2023–2024 season, appearing in 42 matches across all competitions, scoring 4 goals, and providing 11 assists.
Both Sporting Director Deco and the club’s new head coach Hansi Flick reportedly view Cancelo as an ideal option to bring both quality and experience to their defensive lineup. He is seen as a reliable rotation player, especially valuable in a long season with multiple competitions.
His ability to play effectively in both the right-back and left-back positions makes him a versatile asset for the squad, capable of filling in when needed without a drop in performance.
Source: Pulse Sports
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💬 What Are the Signals from the Player and Both Clubs?
João Cancelo himself has publicly stated his desire to remain at Barcelona, saying:
> “I really like being at Barça… my family… we hope that next year we will be here!”
This heartfelt expression shows his emotional connection to the club and his eagerness to continue playing in Spain.
Source: WION News
On the other side, Al-Hilal appear willing to negotiate, and the €15 million asking price is seen as acceptable by many within Barcelona’s management. This opens the door for a possible transfer back to Europe.
Source: Madrid-Barcelona.com
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⚠️ Challenges That Must Be Addressed
Despite the strong mutual interest between the player and the club, several obstacles must be overcome before a deal can be finalized:
La Liga Financial Regulations: Barcelona are still bound by strict financial fair play rules, particularly the 1:1 spending rule, which requires them to balance wages and expenditures. This means Cancelo may need to agree to a reduced salary, and the club might have to sell or release other high-earning players to make room for him.
Squad Competition: Cancelo would not be guaranteed a starting position. He would likely compete with current players like Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde for playing time. As such, his role may be more focused on adding depth and rotational options rather than starting every week.
Source: Pulse Sports
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🔮 Final Thoughts and Likelihood
Current Status: Negotiations are ongoing and active between the parties involved.
Expected Transfer Fee: Approximately €15 million, which is financially manageable for Barcelona now.
Strategic Value: Cancelo is considered a high-quality, experienced player who can provide reliable backup at both full-back spots, an area where Barça needs more depth.
Conditions for Success: The deal hinges on Barça’s ability to make financial adjustments and manage squad depth wisely.
If everything aligns—including Cancelo’s willingness to lower his salary and the club’s capacity to meet financial rules—it’s very possible that we will see João Cancelo donning the blaugrana colors again next season. His return would represent a calculated, strategic move by Deco and Flick to strengthen the squad without breaking the bank.
