Joao Cancelo’s future has taken one other twist, with Al-Hilal together with the Portuguese full-back of their squad numbers for the 2026/27 season regardless of Barcelona being close to completing his return to Catalonia.
Based on SPORT, the Saudi membership has assigned Cancelo the No.20 shirt, the identical quantity he wore throughout his first spell with Al-Hilal and the one he additionally makes use of with the Portugal nationwide staff.
Nonetheless, the inclusion of his title within the squad checklist doesn’t essentially imply he’ll stay in Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona are still working to finish a deal for the 32-year-old, with the switch reportedly near being finalised for round €10 million.
Barcelona near finishing Cancelo switch
The settlement between Barcelona and Al-Hilal is known to be virtually full, whereas Cancelo has already agreed private phrases with the Catalan membership.
That settlement has been in place for the reason that finish of final season, when the Portuguese defender performed an essential position below Hansi Flick.
Cancelo made 23 appearances throughout that interval, scoring twice and offering three assists. He additionally established himself as a daily starter as Alejandro Balde struggled with muscular issues.
His performances satisfied Flick that bringing him again completely could be a worthwhile transfer.
Regardless of the settlement being shut, it should be remembered that the switch has not but been formally accomplished.
Fiscal and monetary particulars have delayed the announcement, turning what ought to have been a simple operation into one other extended switch saga for the Blaugrana.
For now, sporting director Deco stays eager to finish the deal, whereas Flick continues to see Cancelo as an essential addition to his squad.
So what occurs now?
The Saudi membership have already signed Mohammed Mahzari, with the participant working in the identical place as Cancelo. That transfer suggests Al-Hilal are ready for the opportunity of dropping the Portuguese defender.
Their most important goal seems to be recovering the funding they made once they signed Cancelo from Manchester Metropolis.
That’s the reason the Saudi membership are demanding round €10 million from Barcelona, who’re ready to fulfill that determine for a participant they already know properly.
Cancelo understands Barcelona’s surroundings, has expertise working below Flick and may present cowl on each side of the defence.
Nonetheless, for now, the Portuguese defender is still officially back with Al-Hilal.
Cancelo returned to coaching with the Saudi membership on August 7 after finishing his post-World Cup vacation, which means he has already resumed work whereas ready for his future to be resolved.
