João Cancelo pushes Al-Hilal to let him return to Barça

João Cancelo is determined to make his return to Barça permanent, but tax complications and his absence from Al-Hilal’s training camp are slowing down the deal.

The latest comeback of João Cancelo to FC Barcelona is taking longer than expected. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Portuguese full-back did not report on Wednesday to Al-Hilal’s preseason camp in Austria, unlike his compatriot Rúben Neves. The Saudi club has yet to issue any official statement regarding his absence.

Al-Hilal reportedly lowers their asking price

Under contract until June 2027, Cancelo was initially valued at €15 million by Al-Hilal. The Saudi management has eventually agreed to lower their demands, allowing both clubs to reach an agreement close to €10 million, bonuses included. That figure is slightly above his current market value, estimated at €8 million by Transfermarkt.

Loaned to Barça in January 2026, the 32-year-old full-back played 23 matches across all competitions, netting two goals and providing three assists. His versatility and attacking contributions were key to Barcelona’s triumph in La Liga. Those performances convinced Hansi Flick to demand a permanent transfer.

An absence that raises tensions

Al-Hilal’s management reportedly sees Cancelo’s absence as an attempt to force his exit. No official split has been announced yet, and the latest complications are mainly linked to the tax treatment of the deal. Until these details are resolved, Cancelo remains legally a player of the Saudi club, despite his clear desire to continue his career in Barcelona.

Read also: Barça joins the race to sign Rodri

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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