Barcelona strike loan deal to sign Al-Hilal full-back Joao Cancelo

Barcelona have reached an agreement with Al-Hilal to sign Joao Cancelo on loan for the rest of the season (h/t Fabrizio Romano ).

Despite Inter Milan’s pre-agreement with the Saudi Pro League giants for Cancelo, Barcelona have won the race, thanks to the Portuguese international’s priority to return to Camp Nou.

Barca manager Hansi Flick was initially planning to sign a centre-back due to Andreas Christensen’s long-term ACL injury, but a lack of affordable targets in the market prompted him to give the green light for Cancelo’s transfer.

The former Manchester City star has been looking to leave Al-Hilal in January after a breakdown in the relationship with head coach Simone Inzaghi, who excluded him from the squad for the first half of the season.

Cancelo has agreed to take a significant pay cut to facilitate his return to Barca , who will cover €5 million of his salary.

The Catalan giants will also pay a loan fee of €4 million to the Saudi giants.

Although the deal is only a matter of time, Cancelo will miss Barca’s Spanish Super Cup games this week.

Barca will register Cancelo using Christensen’s salary cap space.

Jules Kounde has been Flick’s primary right-back option, and Cancelo’s arrival could push the Frenchman to the centre-back role.

Having previously spent a season on loan at Camp Nou during Xavi’s reign, Cancelo can quickly adapt to Barca’s style of play.

The 31-year-old will be an upgrade over Kounde as an attacking full-back due to his technical quality, relentless pace, ability to build from the back, playmaking, and ball-progression.

He is defensively astute as well, relying on timely interceptions and tackles.

Having the versatility to thrive in left-back and midfield roles and the ability to break down low blocks, the Portuguese star can be Flick’s key tactical weapon.