Joao Cancelo rests in Sardinia while Barcelona and Al-Hilal put the finishing touches to an agreement that appears increasingly close to completion. The Portuguese fullback, 32 years old, awaits on the Italian island the final green light to become a new Barcelona player, in what would be one of the most interesting moves in the summer transfer market. Everything points to his arrival at Camp Nou becoming effective after the first team's pre-season stage at St. George's Park, leaving room for him to resolve his affairs with the Saudi club.

Portugal knocked out of World Cup, Cancelo takes vacation

Cancelo's departure from Barcelona just three weeks ago was sudden: his loan contract expired exactly one week before Portugal was eliminated in the World Cup round of 16 by Spain on July 6. With no time to waste, the defender took his well-deserved vacation and headed to Sardinia, where he continues resting while awaiting his future to be resolved. According to mundodeportivo.com, there is no rush on his part: his objective is clear and his vacation has barely started two weeks ago.

Deal virtually sealed: only tax details pending

Barcelona and Al-Hilal have already moved past negotiations over general terms. The contract points that Cancelo will sign as a Barcelona player are virtually agreed, and what remains to be resolved are only tax-related details that every operation of this scale requires. These are not insurmountable obstacles, but rather the standard paperwork of a permanent transfer from Saudi Arabia to Spain.

Hansi Flick, Barcelona's manager, is not in a rush. He is aware that Cancelo has rested barely two weeks since Portugal exited the tournament, so the player can perfectly well start pre-season with Al-Hilal under Simone Inzaghi's orders. Time works in Barcelona's favour: the league debut will not be until Sunday, August 23 at Elche, a wide window for everything to be resolved without rushing.

Balde and company keep the left flank door open

While Cancelo arrives, Barcelona can count on Alejandro Balde from the first team and Jofre Torrents from the academy for the left fullback position. Gerard Martín is also available, although he has been gradually converted to centre-back. Recently, Jordi Pesquer, a 17-year-old left-sided fullback, has joined the group's work, while Balde continues a personalized fitness plan away from the squad.

In other words: Flick has options, but it is clear that Cancelo is the top-tier signing that Barcelona was pursuing to strengthen that position. His international experience, his years at Manchester City and his recent spell at the Barcelona club make him a reliable profile for a season that aspires to titles.

The final stretch: before or after the stage?

The question many fans are asking is whether Cancelo will be ready when Barcelona begins its training camp at St. George's Park. Everything suggests that the official announcement is not expected to arrive before that stage, which means it is most likely that the Portuguese player will begin pre-season with Al-Hilal. But this should not worry anyone: it is a calendar adjustment, not a problem. Barcelona knows the player is secured, the contracts are locked in, and only the administrative paperwork needs to complete its final circulation.

Will there be any last-minute surprises? For now there are no signs of them. Everything smells like an operation going as expected.