Barcelona are reportedly working to bring Joao Cancelo back to Camp Nou this summer, just a year after the Portuguese full-back left for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.
Cancelo impressed during his 2023–24 loan stint from Manchester City, making 42 appearances, scoring four goals, and assisting five more. Despite the club’s interest in a permanent deal last year, he instead joined Al-Hilal on a long-term contract.
However, a potential return to Europe is now on the cards after a productive season in Saudi Arabia, where he added two goals and 11 assists across 37 matches.
Barcelona are now prioritizing Cancelo’s return after sealing a deal for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. The La Liga giants have reportedly initiated contact and are prepared to offer around €15 million (£12.8 million) to secure the 31-year-old’s services permanently.
With limited depth at right-back—especially after Jules Kounde’s late-season injury forced Eric Garcia into an unfamiliar role—Barcelona see Cancelo as an experienced and attacking reinforcement. Despite questions about his defensive stability in high-pressure matches, his offensive contribution makes him a valuable asset for a team that typically controls possession.
Given Cancelo’s quality and the modest fee involved, a deal would be considered a bargain by Barcelona standards. Though Kounde remains the first-choice right-back, Cancelo’s return would provide crucial depth and a proven performer in big La Liga and Champions League fixtures.