Cancelo Return Imminent After Breakthrough Talks

Barcelona are poised to finalize one of their key summer transfers as João Cancelo's permanent move from Al-Hilal is now considered "imminent" following a breakthrough in negotiations this weekend.

According to reports from Diario SPORT, an agreement is expected to be reached for €10 million, with the deal set to be completed in the coming days. The Portuguese international was spotted training alone in Portugal this week rather than returning to the Al-Hilal squad, with Saudi sources confirming his absence was agreed upon as his departure is being finalized.

Flick's Personal Request

Cancelo's signing represents a key piece of business for Barcelona this summer and comes as a personal request from manager Hansi Flick, who thoroughly enjoyed working with the 30-year-old during his loan spell in the second half of last season.

The full-back's arrival will reshape Barcelona's defensive options, with Flick planning to deploy Jules Koundé and Eric García at right-back while Cancelo shares left-back duties with Alejandro Balde.

Youth Exits Expected

The Portuguese star's return will trigger departures for Barcelona's younger full-backs. Héctor Fort, Xavi Espart, and Jofre Torrents are all expected to leave on loan to secure playing minutes elsewhere as the club finalizes their squad for the upcoming season.

Striker Search Continues

While the Cancelo deal nears completion, Barcelona's pursuit of a new number nine remains ongoing. The club continues to focus on Manchester City's Julián Álvarez as their primary target, though they are exploring alternatives should the Argentina forward prove unavailable.

Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis has emerged as another option, while Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic reportedly remains interested in a move to Camp Nou and is willing to lower his salary demands. Victor Osimhen's situation at Galatasaray remains complicated, with the Turkish club demanding over €100 million for the Nigerian international.

Meanwhile, Hoffenheim's Fisnik Asllani, who had hoped for a Barcelona call, appears set to join RB Leipzig instead, with the German club preparing to activate his €29 million release clause.