Barcelona are reportedly in talks to secure João Cancelo on loan from Al Hilal. The 32-year-old Portuguese full-back, who previously played for Barcelona on loan from Manchester City during the 2023-24 season, has emerged as a key target to reinforce the Blaugrana's defense.

Manager Hansi Flick has publicly expressed his desire to add defensive reinforcements during the January transfer window, given the team's current lack of depth in the backline. Andreas Christensen's long-term injury has further exacerbated the situation, prompting the club to seek immediate solutions.

Barcelona have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Al Hilal for Cancelo's loan until the end of the season. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will cover approximately €5 million of Cancelo's salary. This financial maneuver is made possible by offloading a significant portion of Christensen's salary, thanks to his medical report being submitted to La Liga. This allows Barcelona to comply with Financial Fair Play rules while bringing in a valuable addition to the squad.

Cancelo's move to Al Hilal in 2024 was initially considered a major acquisition for the Saudi Pro League. However, despite a decent first season, the current campaign has been challenging for the Portuguese international. He has only featured in a couple of Saudi Pro League matches this term. This situation led to Al Hilal's decision to exclude him from their foreign player list for the second half of the season, paving the way for his departure.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Cancelo had offers from Inter Milan but prioritized a return to Barcelona. Romano also stated that Barcelona will pay €4 million as loan coverage to Al Hilal.

Despite the advanced negotiations, Cancelo is unlikely to feature in the Spanish Super Cup due to registration procedures and scheduling issues. Barcelona are set to face Athletic Club in the Super Cup semi-finals, and potentially either Atlético Madrid or Real Madrid in the final.

Cancelo's previous stint with Barcelona was considered successful. During his time at the club, he played 42 matches, scoring four goals and providing five assists. His technique and attacking flair quickly made him a fan favorite. His return is expected to provide Barcelona with versatility and quality in defense, as he can play on both sides as a fullback.