Cancelo Deal Nears, Hamza Shines, RFEF Opens Álvarez Case — August 2, 2026

Cancelo Finally Coming Home

João Cancelo has skipped Al-Hilal's preseason camp in Austria. The reason? Barcelona are closing in on a deal worth roughly €10 million to bring him back after last season's loan spell. Tax hurdles that had complicated negotiations have reportedly been cleared, and unless something bizarre happens in the next few days, the Portuguese fullback will be wearing blaugrana again when the season kicks off.

His absence from Al-Hilal training tells you everything. The Saudi club knows he's gone, and frankly, getting him for that price feels like genuine business in today's inflated market. Flick gets a player who already knows the system, the city, and the expectations.

Hamza Makes His Case

While Cancelo drama played out behind the scenes, Hamza Abdelkarim was busy announcing himself in Birmingham. The young midfielder scored twice—one from the spot—in a 2-2 draw with Championship side Birmingham City. Flick praised him afterward, saying it's "a pleasure working with these young players," which sounds diplomatic but you could see genuine satisfaction in how Hamza played.

Karim Adeyemi also featured, showing flashes of what he can do. Flick wasn't entirely satisfied with the German winger's debut, already setting homework for him according to Diario AS. That's the German manager's style—never completely pleased, always demanding more. New signing Bisiwu trained with the squad too, citing Neymar as his favorite player. Bold choice, kid.

Deco arrived at the England training camp on Saturday afternoon, likely to sort out some of these moving pieces in person.

RFEF Threatens Sanctions Over Álvarez

Here's where things get messy. The RFEF has opened a disciplinary case against Barcelona following Atlético Madrid's formal complaint about our approach for Julián Álvarez. We're potentially looking at point deductions or even transfer bans if the federation decides we tapped him up improperly.

This feels like Atlético being petty, but the rules are the rules. The club needs to have its documentation airtight because we cannot afford another transfer ban. Not now, not with Flick trying to rebuild.

Ferran's Exit Heating Up

Speaking of transfers, Ferran Torres might finally be on his way out. Marca reports that direct contacts between PSG and Barcelona are expected next week. The French club has shown serious interest, and frankly, moving Ferran would free up wages and a non-EU spot. He's a good player, but hasn't quite fit the system.

Meanwhile, João Pedro is apparently set to sign a new Chelsea contract, ending our interest there. Athletic Bilbao values Aymeric Laporte at €80 million—a price that's laughable for our current financial situation, even if he'd be an upgrade at center-back.

Women's Team News

Giulia Dragoni has been sold to Chelsea after two consecutive loan spells at Roma. Another talented player leaves, which continues a worrying trend in the women's section. We need to start retaining our best young talent instead of watching them develop elsewhere.

Flick's got his work cut out, but at least Cancelo and some promising youngsters give us reasons for cautious optimism.