In a significant development in the winter transfer market, Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, confirmed that the Catalan club is finalizing the signing of Portuguese right-back João Cancelo from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. This move, a loan deal until the end of the current season, is eagerly anticipated by Barcelona fans and aims to bolster the Blaugrana squad.
Deco confirms: The deal is in its final stages
In press statements reported by the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, which is close to the club, Deco put an end to the doubts about his compatriot's future, saying: "We are in the process of finalizing all the procedures related to the Cancelo deal. The player has not yet undergone medical examinations, but arrangements are underway for him to travel to Barcelona very soon, and we are confident of closing the deal in our favor.".
Reports indicate that Barcelona's management has made an official offer to loan the player and bear part of his salary, taking advantage of Cancelo's strong desire to wear the Barcelona jersey again, which is the factor that tipped the scales in favor of the Spanish club despite strong competition from the Italian club Inter Milan, which had reached a preliminary verbal agreement with Al-Hilal's management.
A solution to the historic right-back crisis
This deal is of paramount importance to the Catalan club, as Barcelona has suffered for years from instability at right-back since the departure of legend Dani Alves. In recent seasons, the team's coaches have been forced to rely on makeshift solutions, such as deploying center-backs Jules Koundé or Ronald Araujo in that position. The return of Cancelo, who possesses an attacking flair and exceptional playmaking abilities, will provide Barcelona's coaching staff with much-needed tactical flexibility, especially given his ability to play effectively on both the right and left flanks.
A distinguished career and international experience
João Cancelo possesses extensive European experience, making him an immediate asset to any team. He has previously shone in the shirts of major clubs such as Manchester City, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, in addition to his time with Barcelona. This accumulated experience in Europe's top five leagues equips him to handle the pressure of crucial matches in the Champions League and La Liga.
Contractual status and market value
It's worth noting that João Cancelo has a long-term contract with Saudi club Al-Hilal, extending until June 30, 2027, meaning the Saudi club's approval is necessary for any transfer to proceed. According to Transfermarkt, a global website specializing in football economics, the player's current market value is approximately €10 million, a figure that reflects his technical ability despite his age, making him an ideal economic and technical option for Barcelona given the club's current financial challenges.
