Joao Cancelo waits on Barcelona move as Al Hilal talks continue

Portugal defender Joao Cancelo is still on holiday in Italy as he waits for Barcelona and Al Hilal to finalise a permanent transfer, according to reports in Spain.

Cancelo, 32, spent last season on loan at Barcelona from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal and has made clear he wants to continue at the Catalan club.

The full-back’s loan deal at Barca expired a week before he exited Euro 2024 with Portugal, who were knocked out in the last 16 by Spain. He then travelled to the Italian island of Sardinia for a break – and is still there, awaiting news of his future.

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports that Cancelo remains under contract with Al Hilal until 2027, and is currently waiting for the Saudi champions and Barcelona to reach a full agreement over a permanent transfer.

Player “calm” as he waits in Sardinia

The report says Cancelo is “completely calm” about the situation, with his sole wish being to play for Barcelona again next season.

Personal terms between the Portuguese international and Barca have already been agreed, and only some “tax-related details” are believed to be outstanding before the move can be made official.

However, Barcelona do not expect all the paperwork and negotiations with Al Hilal to be concluded before the first team travel to their pre-season training camp at St George’s Park in England later this month.

That means Cancelo is likely to begin pre-season with Al Hilal under new coach Simone Inzaghi, even though both he and Barcelona are working towards a permanent return to Spain.

Timing gives Barcelona room to manoeuvre

There is still a margin for negotiation, as Barcelona’s opening La Liga fixture is not until Sunday, 23 August, away to Elche.

The club believe this gives them time to finalise the transfer structure with Al Hilal, while also resolving the remaining fiscal issues linked to the player’s contract.

Barcelona’s financial position in recent seasons has meant that deals often hinge on salary limits and tax considerations being carefully managed before any announcement can be made.

Flick’s current left-back options

In the meantime, new Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has limited options at full-back during the early stages of pre-season.

From the first team, Alejandro Balde is available, while reserve-team player Guille Fernandez (often referred to in Spain as Juvo Ferrandez or Jofre Torrents depending on local usage) can also fill in on the left flank. In addition, Gerard Martin, naturally a left-back, has been used as a central defender and offers further cover.

On Tuesday, Flick brought 17-year-old left-back Jordi Pescador into first-team training, with Balde following an individual recovery and conditioning programme.

The club’s current reliance on youth and versatility in the left-back role underlines why securing Cancelo’s return is seen as a priority at the Camp Nou, even if the Portugal defender must briefly report back to Al Hilal before any deal is sealed.