Cancelo hints at imminent return to Barcelona

Portuguese player João Cancelo, currently with Al Hilal, is nearing a return to Barcelona after posting a message on his social media accounts that suggests a transfer to the Catalan club is imminent.

According to "Mundo Deportivo," 32-year-old João Cancelo posted a picture of himself from behind wearing a Barcelona shirt, accompanied by an hourglass emoji, indicating that his return to Spotify Camp Nou is just a matter of time.

Barcelona had reached an agreement weeks ago with Al-Hilal regarding the transfer of the Portuguese full-back for €10 million, although Saudi media reported in recent days that the club's demands had risen to €15 million.

João Cancelo missed Al-Hilal's lineup in the match against Al-Faisaly last Friday, marking the start of the team's campaign. His coach, Simone Inzaghi, clarified that the player continues to train normally with the team, emphasizing that the decision regarding his future and continuation with the club rests with the management.

Al Hilal currently has 13 foreign players on their roster, while regulations allow only 10 foreign players per team, raising concerns about João Cancelo's future at the club during this period.

João Cancelo had delivered strong performances during his loan period at Barcelona last season, after joining the team from Al Hilal in the second half of the season, granting Hans Flick his approval for the sporting management's move to secure him on a permanent basis.

The Spanish newspaper confirmed that the agreement between Barcelona and Cancelo is complete, with only Al Hilal's approval remaining. Meanwhile, the Portuguese player's post enhances the likelihood of his return to the Catalan club.