The return of João Cancelo to FC Barcelona has encountered a fresh roadblock after Al-Hilal officially assigned the defender the number 20 shirt for the 2026–27 season. According to reports from Futbol Fantasy, the Saudi Professional League club included the Portuguese full-back in their squad list published ahead of the new campaign, introducing pressure into ongoing negotiations between the two clubs.
Squad List Inclusion Increases Pressure on Negotiations
Al-Hilal published their official squad composition for the 2026–27 season, naming João Cancelo alongside another newly arrived right-back, Mohammed Mahzari, with Cancelo taking the number 20 jersey. Futbol Fantasy reported that the decision comes as the player returned to training under manager Simone Inzaghi following his summer break.
While the squad registration underlines that Cancelo remains under contract with Al-Hilal, the move does not automatically rule out a departure. Negotiations between Barcelona and Al-Hilal are centered on a permanent transfer fee valued between eight and ten million euros, according to recent reporting. At the same time, Cancelo has reportedly lined up a two-year agreement to continue his career as an Azulgrana.
Bureaucratic Hurdles and Financial Realities
Progress on the transfer has slowed due to complex bureaucratic and fiscal issues rather than a disagreement over the player’s destination. Sources indicate that Cancelo remains determined to return to Camp Nou, having previously spent the 2023–24 season on loan before returning during the second half of the following campaign.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick views the full-back as a top priority for bolstering the defensive line. However, until club executives finalize the remaining administrative hurdles and reach a formal agreement with Al-Hilal, Cancelo continues to participate in training sessions in Saudi Arabia as a registered member of Inzaghi’s squad.
What Comes Next in the Transfer Window
Both clubs are expected to continue talks to resolve the financial and fiscal details holding up the transfer before the window closes.
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