Cancelo back in Catalonia for medical

The latest incoming addition to Barcelona’s first-team ranks has arrived in Catalonia on Monday to pen his contract with the club.

The player in question is João Cancelo. The defender has been heavily linked with a Camp Nou comeback throughout the summer after he impressed during a second loan stint with Barcelona in the second half of last season.

Cancelo was identified as a leading transfer target by fellow Portuguese Deco and his team of Blaugrana directors. After his loan spell, the 32-year-old was forced to link back up with Saudi outfit Al-Hilal following his campaign at the World Cup, all the while hoping for an agreement to be found on a contract termination.

Word emerged on Sunday that a termination had come to fruition, and Cancelo wasted little time making the trip to the Catalan capital. On Monday he was spotted back in his new permanent home of Barcelona for the first time, with footage of the versatile full-back’s first exchange with the media circulating.

Return on the cards after successful loan

Cancelo’s initial loan at Barcelona was widely praised for his attacking output and defensive solidity on the flank. The club’s sporting project under Deco has prioritised familiar faces, and the Portuguese defender now looks set to complete a permanent move after months of speculation.