Everything was ready for João Cancelo to have his long-awaited reunion with FC Barcelona fans during the Joan Gamper Trophy. The Portuguese full-back was in full kit, wearing the No. 2 shirt and waiting alongside the rest of his teammates for the moment to step onto the pitch at Spotify Camp Nou.

But his name was never announced.

Cancelo’s absence during the squad presentation immediately caught people’s attention, especially because the full-back was already dressed as a Barça player and ready to take part in the ceremony.

The explanation, however, is simple: one final administrative procedure still needed to be completed.

Cancelo Was Ready to Walk Out

Barcelona worked throughout the day with the intention of completing all the necessary paperwork and officially announcing João Cancelo’s return before the start of the Joan Gamper Trophy.

In the end, there simply wasn’t enough time.

When the moment arrived to introduce the players individually to the fans, the transfer still could not be officially announced. As a result, Cancelo had to remain out of the presentation despite being ready to walk onto the pitch alongside his teammates.

A video of the moment showed the Portuguese defender wearing the Barça kit with the No. 2 on his back. His reaction suggested some frustration over a situation he clearly had not expected.

Even Lamine Yamal, after realizing Cancelo was not walking out with the rest of the squad, asked him: “Aren’t you going out?” The Portuguese player responded with a resigned gesture as he remained inside.

Only the Final Step Is Missing

The situation does not change FC Barcelona’s plans for Cancelo.

The full-back had already arrived in Barcelona and made progress on the necessary steps to complete his return after resolving his situation with Al Hilal. The intention was for the Joan Gamper Trophy to also serve as his presentation in front of the fans, but that final administrative detail prevented it from happening.

Cancelo has also made no secret of his desire to return to the Catalan club. He will now have the opportunity to begin another chapter at a club where he already knows the dressing room, the city and much of the environment.

The image of the Portuguese defender wearing the No. 2 shirt also showed that practically everything is ready for what comes next.

There was no sporting issue and no last-minute change in the club’s plans.

The paperwork simply was not completed in time.

João Cancelo was ready to be presented at Spotify Camp Nou, but he will have to wait a little longer to officially receive his welcome from the FC Barcelona fans.

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