Barcelona in talks to re-sign surprise star in January – Fabrizio Romano

Barcelona have made contact with Al-Hilal full-back Joao Cancelo over a January move, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian transfer insider has revealed that the Portugal international is likely to leave Al-Hilal this winter. The Riyadh giants have decided to make Cancelo obtainable to free up one of their limited foreign spots.

The 31-year-old’s availability has piqued the interest of various sides around Europe, and Romano reports that his former club, Barcelona, are among his suitors. He spent the 2023/24 season on loan in Catalunya before heading to Saudi Arabia.

Initial contact regarding a move has taken place, although it appears that another one of Cancelo’s ex-clubs, Inter, are pushing even harder for his signature. The Nerrazurri are in direct talks with Al-Hilal and Cancelo’s agent Jorge Mendes.

Cancelo may also have the opportunity to return to Juventus. The Bianconeri are the third club mentioned by Romano. Cancelo played for both Inter and Juventus in the late 2010s before his move to Man City in 2019.

Cancelo to Barcelona would be a surprise

Barcelona’s interest in Cancelo is interesting because the club’s priority for 2026 is adding a centre-back and a striker. Andreas Christensen’s recent injury has prompted sporting director Deco to explore the market for a cost-effective central defender who could join mid-season.

However, Barcelona are severely limited in their potential options due to their ongoing difficulties with LaLiga’s salary cap. As a result, a move for full-back Cancelo would be quite surprising.

Romano points out that it may be difficult for Barcelona to bring him in, and he also previously made sure to emphasise that the Portuguese is on a “huge” salary at Al-Hilal. A loan exit with the Saudi club covering a part of his wages appears to be the most likely outcome.

A move back to Serie A looks the more realistic scenario as things stand, but perhaps the Blaugrana will spring a January surprise.

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