Joao Cancelo’s Transfer Saga Continues as Al-Hilal Lists Him for Upcoming Season
Joao Cancelo’s future remains uncertain as Al-Hilal has included the Portuguese full-back in their squad for the 2026/27 season, even though Barcelona is reportedly close to finalizing his return.
According to SPORT, the Saudi club has given Cancelo the No.20 jersey, mirroring the number he wore during his previous stint at Al-Hilal and with the Portugal national team.
However, his inclusion in the squad does not guarantee he will stay in Saudi Arabia. Barcelona is still negotiating to close the deal for the 32-year-old, with reports suggesting a transfer fee of around €10 million.
Barcelona Close to Finalizing Cancelo Transfer
The deal between Barcelona and Al-Hilal is said to be nearly complete, with Cancelo having already agreed on personal terms with the Catalan club. This understanding was established at the end of the previous season, during which the Portuguese defender played a vital role under Hansi Flick.
Cancelo participated in 23 matches during that time, netting two goals and assisting three. He also became a regular starter while teammate Alejandro Balde faced muscular issues.
Flick has expressed confidence in bringing Cancelo back permanently, believing it would be a beneficial move.
Despite this close agreement, it is important to note that the transfer has not been officially signed. Fiscal and financial details have delayed the announcement, turning an expected straightforward transaction into yet another extended transfer saga for the Blaugrana.
Currently, sporting director Deco remains eager to finalize the deal, while Flick still views Cancelo as a significant asset to his team.
What Lies Ahead?
The Saudi club has already signed Mohammed Mahzari, who plays in the same position as Cancelo, indicating that Al-Hilal may be preparing for the potential loss of the Portuguese defender.
Al-Hilal’s primary aim seems to be recouping the investment made when Cancelo was acquired from Manchester City. This is why the club is demanding approximately €10 million from Barcelona, which the Catalan side is willing to pay for a player they know well.
Cancelo brings familiarity with Barcelona’s environment, experience under Flick, and the ability to provide defensive cover on both flanks.
Nevertheless, for the time being, the Portuguese defender is officially back with Al-Hilal.
He resumed training with the Saudi club on August 7 after completing his post-World Cup holiday, indicating that he has returned to work while awaiting a resolution to his future.
Joao Cancelo’s future has taken another twist, with Al-Hilal including the Portuguese full-back in their squad numbers for the 2026/27 season despite Barcelona being close to completing his return to Catalonia.
According to SPORT, the Saudi club has assigned Cancelo the No.20 shirt, the same number he wore during his first spell with Al-Hilal and the one he also uses with the Portugal national team.
Advertisement
However, the inclusion of his name in the squad list does not necessarily mean he will remain in Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona are still working to complete a deal for the 32-year-old, with the transfer reportedly close to being finalised for around €10 million.
Barcelona close to completing Cancelo transfer
The agreement between Barcelona and Al-Hilal is understood to be practically complete, while Cancelo has already agreed personal terms with the Catalan club.
That agreement has been in place since the end of last season, when the Portuguese defender played an important role under Hansi Flick.
Cancelo made 23 appearances during that period, scoring twice and providing three assists. He also established himself as a regular starter as Alejandro Balde struggled with muscular problems.
Advertisement
His performances convinced Flick that bringing him back permanently would be a worthwhile move.
Despite the agreement being close, it must be remembered that the transfer has not yet been officially completed.
Fiscal and financial details have delayed the announcement, turning what should have been a straightforward operation into another prolonged transfer saga for the Blaugrana.
For now, sporting director Deco remains keen to complete the deal, while Flick continues to see Cancelo as an important addition to his squad.
So what happens now?
The Saudi club have already signed Mohammed Mahzari, with the player operating in the same position as Cancelo. That move suggests Al-Hilal are prepared for the possibility of losing the Portuguese defender.
Their main objective appears to be recovering the investment they made when they signed Cancelo from Manchester City.
Advertisement
That is why the Saudi club are demanding around €10 million from Barcelona, who are prepared to meet that figure for a player they already know well.
Cancelo understands Barcelona’s environment, has experience working under Flick and can provide cover on both sides of the defence.
However, for now, the Portuguese defender is still officially back with Al-Hilal.
Cancelo returned to training with the Saudi club on August 7 after completing his post-World Cup holiday, meaning he has already resumed work while waiting for his future to be resolved.
[/gpt3]