Cancelo Returns to Camp Nou After Reaching Contract Termination Agreement with Saudi Side

La Liga champions Barcelona have this weekend closed an agreement to reinforce the club's defensive ranks, with long-awaited confirmation that João Cancelo is heading back to Catalunya's capital — this time on a permanent basis.

Full-back Cancelo has seen his name dominate the media headlines surrounding Barcelona throughout the summer. After impressing during a loan stint at the Camp Nou during the second half of last season, the 32-year-old was not shy in making his desire to reunite with Hansi Flick's side known. Barcelona, in turn, had long been working towards an agreement to make Cancelo's Blaugrana wishes come true.

As per a report from transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano: 'João Cancelo to Barcelona, here we go! Agreement done on contract termination with Al Hilal. Cancelo has authorization to travel early next week, as revealed overnight.'

The defender has been given the green light to head to Barcelona after finally reaching an agreement with Al-Hilal. The news will be a big boost to both player and club ahead of the start of the new La Liga season. Cancelo has made it clear he wants to stay, while Barcelona can now sign him on a free transfer.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Cancelo is expected to sign his contract at Barcelona on Tuesday and will put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Catalans. The Portugal international will then start a third spell with Barcelona after enjoying two previous stints on loan under Xavi Hernandez and Hansi Flick.

Barber's Instagram Post Adds Fuel to the Fire

Even before the official reports emerged, a fresh hint regarding Cancelo's future surfaced courtesy of a surprise source. The Portuguese defender's personal barber took to his official Instagram account on Sunday, unveiling a photo of himself and the former Manchester City man, accompanied by the caption: 'Wishing you all the best in your next chapter, champ. Always forward, Cancelo!'

Cancelo went on to impress under Hansi Flick, establishing himself as an important contributor from left-back. Deco and the Camp Nou brass have been hard at work to secure a deal with Al-Hilal to make Cancelo's signing a permanent one, and recent days have seen reports mount that an agreement was closer than ever.