Just in: Barcelona table opening bid for veteran defender – Romano

In a major development, Fabrizio Romano reports that FC Barcelona made their opening bid for veteran defender Joao Cancelo.

The 31-year-old right-back will leave Al Hilal this month, and even though Inter Milan are pushing hard, he is keen on returning to Barça, where he spent the 2023/24 season on loan.

The Blaugrana have been contemplating a move for the Portuguese international for some time now, with there being no consensus over him. And only a while ago, reports suggested that a transfer this month was extremely unlikely.

However, Cancelo has been holding out for a move to Barcelona despite a verbal agreement already being reached between Al Hilal and Inter Milan.

🚨🔵🔴 EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona send initial official bid to Al Hilal for João Cancelo.

Loan proposal with small part of salary covered, negotiations ongoing.

❗️ Inter have deal verbally agreed with Al Hilal for Cancelo since last week… but player’s waiting for Barça. pic.twitter.com/T20fWPd1S8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2026

And now, it appears that the player’s patience has been rewarded as the Blaugrana have tabled an offer for his services.

The initial bid from the La Liga champions is for a loan-only deal with the club covering only a small part of his salary.

Negotiations are now underway as Cancelo continues to wait for an agreement between Al Hilal and Barcelona.

A proven player who can provide cover at right-back and left-back, the Portuguese international can be a handy addition, as long as his salary does not become an issue.

However, Hansi Flick had been angling for a new centre-back signing, and this could mean that such a move will get ruled out, potentially forcing the manager to use Jules Kounde centrally.