Barcelona set to complete first January signing as agreement for defender imminent – Romano

Things seem to be moving swiftly with regard to the future of Joao Cancelo, who could now be poised to secure a return to FC Barcelona.

The 31-year-old right-back has emerged as a target for the Catalans over the past week, after it was confirmed that he would leave Al Hilal this month.

While Barcelona were considering a move, Al Hilal and Inter Milan reached a verbal agreement over a deal. However, the deal was held up as the Portuguese international held out for a move to Catalonia.

Now, according to multiple reliable sources, including Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are on the verge of signing Cancelo.

🚨💙❤️ Exclusive story confirmed: Barça are on the verge of signing João Cancelo!

Official proposal received by Al Hilal and João’s camp expect it to be accepted also with formal steps very soon.

Cancelo made it clear since the beginning: Barça, absolute priority. pic.twitter.com/OVCGaKfkRZ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2026

Indeed, an agreement between the La Liga champions and the Saudi Arabian giants is imminent over a loan deal.

This comes after the Blaugrana tabled their opening offer just a short while ago, which was a proposal for a loan deal until the end of the season with only a small portion of the player’s salary being covered.

Cancelo’s desire to return to Barcelona, where he spent the 2023/24 season on loan, has proven pivotal as an agreement is now set to be finalised for him to move back to Catalonia for a short spell.

Whether the Catalans can still bring in a new centre-back after this remains to be seen. But, as things stand, Cancelo appears set to become the team’s first January signing of 2026.