Iñigo Martínez has offered rare inside clarity on João Cancelo’s expected return to Barcelona, confirming the move came directly from the player himself. Speaking from Saudi Arabia, where both currently live, Martínez explained that the decision was already made in Cancelo’s mind long before reports surfaced publicly.
SoftFootball earlier revealed that Barcelona had reopened talks with Al Hilal as they pushed to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the season run-in, a move later backed by the club hierarchy.
Martínez’s comments as shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account line up with reports from SoftFootball that Hansi Flick personally approved Cancelo’s loan return, viewing him as a key boost for balance and experience.
Fabrizio Romano posted:
Iñigo Martinez: I live in the same compound as João Cancelo. He was telling me that he’s going to Barça.
He will help a lot and give a lot to the club.
According to Martínez, Cancelo sounded settled and motivated, fully convinced that Barcelona is where he belongs right now. The Portugal international is expected to complete a loan move from Al Hilal, with Barcelona covering a loan fee of around €4 million.
Despite interest from Inter Milan, Cancelo made it clear that his priority was a return to Camp Nou. Club president Joan Laporta has already confirmed the medical is scheduled for Friday, January 9, 2026, as Barça prepare for the Spanish Supercopa final in Saudi Arabia.
While discussing Cancelo, Martínez was also asked about his own future and whether a Barcelona return was possible. He quickly shut that door, explaining the financial reality with honesty and humour.
He said, laughing:
There’s no way Laporta is spending that kind of money.
Martínez added that he is happy at Al Nassr, even though his time at Barça remains his most fulfilling spell, where he truly felt the culé spirit.
Barcelona will face Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final on January 12 in Jeddah. Martínez, though unable to attend due to club duties, voiced confidence in Barça’s chances and praised young defender Gerard Martín. For him, Cancelo’s return feels timely, necessary, and maybe even decisive for what comes next.
