Barcelona in continued discussions with Saudi club over star defender; personal terms agreed

Barcelona in continued discussions with Saudi club over star defender; personal terms agreed With just a few weeks remaining before the start of the new season, Barcelona have an uphill task in the transfer market. The club are actively chasing a new striker and Rodri. But they must also shore up their backline, especially with Ronald Araujo now set for a medical at Liverpool . Another position Barcelona are looking to strengthen is right-back, with Joao Cancelo being the designated choice. Barcelona still working on Cancelo deal Cancelo is waiting for Barcelona’s agreement with Al Hilal. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has offered an update on Barcelona’s pursuit of Cancelo this summer. The Italian journalist claims Barcelona are still in discussion with Al Hilal over the right-back’s permanent move to Catalonia. The club have already agreed personal terms with the Portuguese international, who is keen on returning to Camp Nou for the third time in his career. Cancelo was a star performer at Barcelona during the backend of last season, playin a key role in replacing the underperforming Alejandro Balde. Romano believes Barcelona and Al Hilal will reach an agreement soon . But for now, the talks continue. Why Barcelona must sign Cancelo Cancelo transfer could be a matter of time. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images) As mentioned earlier, Cancelo’s presence in the team was vital as Barcelona star Balde was struggling with form and fitness. Judging by what pre-season performances have shown, Balde’s form has declined further and the club desperately need a backup option. Cancelo, to that end, fits the bill perfectly. The Portuguese international is currently the better option than Balde and has the experience and craft to thrive in Hansi Flick’s defensive formula. The former Man City star also offers versatility and can occupy the right-back spot, his main position. This could come in handy if Jules Kounde’s downturn extends into the new season or Flick fancies the French international in a centre-back role, which is plausible now that Araujo has left. Keeping all these factors in mind, securing the services of Cancelo could be integral to Barcelona’s squad-building heading into the new season.