Barcelona is determined to secure Joao Cancelo on a permanent deal, but negotiations with Saudi club Al-Hilal remain complex and have yet to yield a breakthrough.
According to Spanish media, Al-Hilal has no intention of letting the experienced Portuguese defender leave on a bargain, despite his uncertain role under coach Simone Inzaghi.
Cancelo has made it clear that his priority is to continue at Spotify Camp Nou after impressing under Hansi Flick last season. The club considers him a key target to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.
Barcelona’s sporting department believes Cancelo’s age, strained relationship with Inzaghi, and contract situation might create favorable conditions for lowering Al-Hilal’s demands. The club hopes to complete the transfer for a fee below €10 million, which they find reasonable given the circumstances.
Despite optimism, no significant progress has been made so far. Al-Hilal remains firm and expects Cancelo to return from his post-World Cup break to rejoin preseason training, maintaining its negotiating position.
The Saudi club has yet to receive any formal proposal from Barcelona or other interested parties, keeping the transfer situation unchanged.
Attention will now focus on Cancelo's return to Al-Hilal, a key moment that could influence the next steps in the transfer process.
