Joao Cancelo had a short, season-long stint at FC Barcelona in 2023/24, having joined the club on loan from Manchester City.
A permanent move was not possible due to multiple factors, but the Portuguese defender, who joined Al Hilal in 2024, has never hidden his love for the Blaugrana.
Now that he is considering leaving the Saudi Arabian club this month and returning to Europe, reports of a possible return to Barça started doing the rounds, with the Catalans having asked about his situation with superagent Jorge Mendes.
Meanwhile, another of his former clubs, Inter Milan, have been working to bring Cancelo back to the club.
Joao Cancelo still waiting for Barcelona
Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, Cancelo is keen on securing a return to Barcelona and is waiting for the Catalans to make an approach.
Inter Milan, for their part, are continuing to work on a deal, negotiating with Mendes as well as Al Hilal about the structure of a deal for the 31-year-old Portuguese right-back.
Joao Cancelo of Portugal
Cancelo hoping for a Barcelona return. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
But, as things stand, Cancelo is still waiting to see if the Blaugrana act on their enquiry and make a firm approach for his services.
However, at the moment, such a scenario appears unlikely. Barcelona, despite valuing the Portuguese international, are not entirely convinced about a move for him.
For starters, Barça would have to cover a large chunk of Cancelo’s hefty salary. Moreover, the veteran star does not generate total consensus within the club, where the priority is to sign a new central defender.
So, even though Cancelo is holding out for Barcelona to come calling, it seems pretty much ruled out that the reigning La Liga champions will consider going back for their former loan signing.