Barcelona’s hopes of retaining Joao Cancelo beyond this season are far from straightforward, with his parent club Al-Hilal in no rush to facilitate a deal.
Hansi Flick has already given his approval for Cancelo to stay, and the player himself is keen to remain at the Camp Nou. But the path to a permanent agreement is complicated.
Al-Hilal’s tough stance
According to Mundo Deportivo, Al-Hilal have made their position clear that there will be no talks until the Saudi League concludes at the end of May 2026.
The report adds that a loan extension as a favour to the player is not being considered, with their preference being either to keep Cancelo or sell him outright.
The Portuguese full-back’s future also depends on internal decisions at Al-Hilal, specifically whether coach Simone Inzaghi remains in his role and what recommendation is submitted to the club’s board.
Will Cancelo remain at Barcelona? (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
If the technical staff approve his continued presence at the Saudi club, Al-Hilal will first attempt to convince Cancelo to return.
Should he reject that option, a sale becomes the most likely outcome, with Barcelona or another European club the probable destination.
Al-Hilal paid Manchester City €25 million for Cancelo in 2024, and their asking price is currently reported to be around €15 million, though that figure could rise.
The inclusion of players in any deal has been discussed, with Marc Casado’s name mentioned, though the midfielder is not currently keen on such a move.
Barcelona’s biggest advantage remains Cancelo’s own desire to stay. The player is reportedly frustrated by certain decisions made against him at Al-Hilal prior to his loan move, making a return unappealing.
Agent Jorge Mendes is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between all parties, with Barcelona heavily relying on his mediation to unlock what promises to be a complex negotiation.
