João Cancelo has once again made it clear that his return to Barcelona is all but imminent, with the former Blaugrana star dropping another social-media hint on Saturday as the club push to sign him permanently.

The Portuguese full-back spent the second half of last season on loan at the Camp Nou, and his thoroughly productive stint in the colours of the Spanish champions has convinced Hansi Flick and the club's hierarchy to make his signing — this time on a permanent basis — something of a priority this summer.

Negotiations over the terms of the transfer have been ongoing between the Camp Nou brass and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal, who currently hold Cancelo's registration, for several months now. And although a definitive agreement is yet to be found, the former Manchester City standout remains fully confident that his dream Barcelona return will ultimately come to fruition.

Taking to his official Instagram account this weekend, Cancelo made precisely that clear once again, posting a photo of himself in a Blaugrana jersey accompanied by a timer emoji — the latest in a string of teases pointing towards a swift return to Catalonia.

The on-off saga now appears close to its conclusion, with Barcelona hopeful of wrapping up the defender's permanent arrival before the start of the new campaign.