João Cancelo Considers Return to Benfica, Complicating Barcelona Future

Barcelona’s plans for right-back may be upended as João Cancelo, currently on loan from Al Hilal, has publicly expressed a strong desire to return to his former club, Benfica. The 31-year-old Portuguese international has indicated he’d be willing to accept a significant pay cut to rejoin the Lisbon-based side, where he began his professional career.

Cancelo’s comments, made in an interview with ‘Canal 11,’ revealed a deep emotional connection to Benfica. “I’ve already earned more than I expected, but playing for Benfica is like playing basketball, it’s for love. I will reduce my salary,” he stated, signaling his commitment to a move driven by passion rather than financial gain. This revelation throws his future into uncertainty, despite Barcelona reportedly wanting to retain his services.

The situation is further complicated by Cancelo’s current contractual status. He is technically on loan at Barcelona from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, who purchased him from Manchester City in 2023. Al Hilal is reportedly unwilling to simply release Cancelo, having paid €25 million for his services and seeking some form of compensation for his departure. Barcelona would ideally like to secure Cancelo on a permanent deal, but that hinges on Al Hilal granting him a free transfer.

According to reports, Al Hilal is seeking around €8 million in compensation, or potentially a player exchange involving a Barcelona squad member. Marc Casadó, a product of Barcelona’s youth academy, has been mentioned as a possible inclusion in any deal, though the player himself is reportedly hesitant to move, despite sharing an agent – Jorge Mendes – with Cancelo. This reluctance adds another layer of complexity to negotiations.

Barcelona has communicated to Cancelo’s representatives that they value his versatility and would be open to offering him a two-year contract. However, this is contingent on securing his release from Al Hilal. The club views Cancelo as an important piece for the future, appreciating his ability to play on both the left and right sides of the defense.

Cancelo’s career has taken him across several top European leagues. After coming through Benfica’s youth system, he had spells at Valencia, Inter Milan, Juventus, Manchester City, Bayern Munich (on loan), and now Barcelona (also on loan). He has 64 appearances for the Portuguese national team, winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019. His current loan with Barcelona has seen him make 32 appearances and score two goals as of March 22, 2026, according to Wikipedia data.

The timing of Cancelo’s desire to return to Benfica is also significant. He will turn 32 in May and is likely to feature in what could be his final World Cup. He appears to view a return to his boyhood club as a fitting way to conclude his career, a sentiment that could influence his decision-making process.

For Barcelona, losing Cancelo would necessitate a reevaluation of their options at right-back. While the club clearly appreciates his contributions, they may need to explore alternative targets if Al Hilal remains firm on its financial demands. The situation highlights the challenges faced by European clubs when dealing with players owned by clubs in leagues with significant financial resources, such as the Saudi Pro League.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Cancelo’s future. His personal desire to return to Benfica is strong, but the financial realities and the willingness of all parties to compromise will ultimately dictate where he plays his football next season. The player’s decision will undoubtedly have ripple effects on both Barcelona’s transfer strategy and Benfica’s squad building for the upcoming campaign.

As of April 1, 2026, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions between Barcelona, Al Hilal, and Cancelo’s representatives. The next key development will likely be a clearer indication of Al Hilal’s willingness to negotiate a transfer or release Cancelo from his contract.

Fans can follow official updates from Barcelona’s website (https://www.fcbarcelona.com/) and Benfica’s website (https://www.slbenfica.pt/) for the latest developments in this evolving transfer saga.