Barcelona’s signing of João Cancelo from Al-Hilal “imminent”

Barcelona are set to make another signing as João Cancelo’s permanent transfer from Al-Hilal will be completed in the coming days.

According to Diario SPORT, the deal is “imminent” as there has been a breakthrough in talks between Barça and the Saudi club this weekend and an agreement is expected to be reached for €10 million.

The Portuguese full-back was spotted training alone in Portugal this week instead of returning to the Al-Hilal squad after the World Cup, and reports from Saudi confirmed his absence was agreed with the club as his departure is finalized.

Cancelo’s signing was considered a key piece of business for Barça this summer and a personal request from Hansi Flick, who thoroughly enjoyed working with Cancelo during his loan spell in the second half of last season.

Cancelo’s arrival will trigger exits for younger full-backs, with Héctor Fort, Xavi Espart and Jofre Torrents all expected to leave on loan to get minutes elsewhere. Flick is planning next season’s squad with Jules Kounde and Eric García at right-back and Cancelo sharing left-back duties with Alejandro Balde.