Barcelona nears permanent deal for João Cancelo after loan spell
Cancelo’s Future with Barcelona
Barcelona is working to finalize a permanent transfer for João Cancelo, the Portugal international who spent last season on loan with the club from Al-Hilal. The 32-year-old defender is currently on holiday in Sardinia, awaiting the completion of negotiations between Al-Hilal and Barcelona for his full transfer. Reports indicate that Cancelo is keen to continue his career with Barcelona, having already agreed to the terms of a permanent contract with the Catalan side.
The deal’s finalization hinges on resolving a few tax-related details. Both clubs are in discussions to iron out these remaining issues before an official announcement can be made. Despite these pending matters, there is a sense of calm surrounding the situation, as Cancelo‘s primary desire is to play for Barcelona.
Pre-season Preparations and Squad Options
It is not anticipated that the transfer will be completed before Barcelona‘s first team begins its pre-season training camp. The team is scheduled to train at St George’s Park in England towards the end of the month. Consequently, Cancelo is expected to start his pre-season preparations with Al-Hilal under coach Simone Inzaghi.
Barcelona‘s head coach, Hansi Flick, is not rushing the transfer process. The club’s opening La Liga match is scheduled for Sunday, August 23, against Elche, providing ample time for the deal to be concluded. This match will be played at 9:30 p.m. local time.
In the interim, Flick has several options for the left-back position. These include first-team player Alejandro Balde and Barça Atlètic defender Jofre Torrents. Additionally, Gerard Martín, a natural full-back who has adapted to playing as a center-back, is also available. On Tuesday, Jordi Pesquer, a 17-year-old left-back, joined the first-team training session, while Balde continued with an individual fitness program.
Cancelo‘s loan spell with Barcelona concluded a week before Portugal‘s elimination from the FIFA World Cup. Portugal was defeated by Spain in the Round of 16 on July 6. Cancelo is under contract with Al-Hilal until 2027.
Transfer Details and Contract
The operation to bring João Cancelo to Barcelona permanently is reportedly very advanced. The Catalan club is expected to pay a slightly lower amount for the Portuguese international’s services. Upon completion, Cancelo is set to sign a two-season contract in Catalonia, solidifying his commitment to Barcelona.
The agreement on the terms of his permanent contract with the Blaugrana has already been reached, with only the aforementioned tax details remaining as the final hurdle. This indicates a strong mutual interest in making the transfer a reality. The club’s focus on resolving these administrative points underscores the importance of the deal.
Barcelona‘s strategic moves in the transfer market, including the pursuit of Cancelo, follow other recruitments. The club had previously enlisted Anthony Gordon after the season concluded and has also been focusing on the case of Julian Alvarez. These activities highlight Barcelona‘s efforts to strengthen its squad for the upcoming season.
The relaxed approach from both Barcelona and Cancelo regarding the timeline for the official announcement suggests confidence that the deal will ultimately be completed. The focus remains on ensuring all administrative and financial aspects are correctly handled before the transfer is made public.
Read Also
Source: goal.com
