At a glance
- Joao Cancelo is about to wrap up an impressive second loan at FC Barcelona.
- The Catalans want to keep him permanently, but his permanent transfer fee is a sticking point.
- Al-Hill want €10 million for the Portuguese, but Barca aren’t willing to pay it.
FC Barcelona want to sign Joao Cancelo from Al-Hilal for free this summer, or something pretty close to it according to SPORT.
The Portuguese has impressed on a second loan spell in Catalonia which has yielded two goals and six assists. Dislodging La Masia graduate Alejandro Balde from the first team squad, Cancelo is Hansi Flick‘s go to man at left back.
His future beyond June 30 is unclear, however. That’s the date his temporary arrangement expires, and Cancelo needs to work out a way to get out of his Al-Hilal terms if possible.
Barca want Cancelo to try and force a move for free from the Saudis, by renouncing the last 12 months of his contract. On the other hand, however, Al-Hilal want at least €10 million for a player they bought from Manchester City for €15 million in 2024.
If head coach Simeone Inzaghi doesn’t want Cancelo, though, he’ll be put in the shop window forcing Barca and Al-Hilal to understand one another.
Jorge Mendes will be key if Joao Cancelo is to stay at Barcelona
As is often the case in deals that involve his clients, super agent Jorge Mendes will be crucial here. It’s President Joan Laporta‘s confidant that can be a go between for the two clubs. And in an ideal world, Cancelo arrives for free or for a very low fee before signing for two seasons or one season with another option at the Spotify Camp Nou.
With Cancelo clearly still at the peak of his powers aged 31, a deal like this doesn’t come around too often. Barca have to take advantage of it, yet also not risk losing the veteran if other European suitors that have noted his strong season come knocking.
If Inzaghi wants Cancelo, however, this potential transfer takes on another level of possible complications.
