FC Barcelona have hit a new obstacle in their attempts to permanently sign Portuguese fullback Joao Cancelo, as Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal demand an adequate financial package to greenlight his departure during the summer transfer window.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are hoping to wrap up the deal for under €10 million. The Catalan club believes several factors strengthen their leverage in negotiations with Al-Hilal’s management.
Barça argues that Cancelo turning 32, entering the final year of his contract, and falling out of favor as a regular starter under Italian manager Simone Inzaghi should push Al-Hilal to lower their financial expectations.
However, the Saudi club’s management has no intention of letting the Portuguese defender leave on the cheap, despite his current squad status and his clear desire to return to Barcelona and continue playing at the highest European level.
Cancelo spent the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona and has shown great flexibility to facilitate a permanent move. His current contract with Al-Hilal runs until June 2027.
The Portuguese international is scheduled to join Al-Hilal’s pre-season training camp in Austria following the conclusion of his vacation. He will continue training normally with the squad until a final agreement is reached or a definitive decision regarding his future is made ahead of the new season.
