Al-Hilal inform key Barcelona target to return for pre-season – report | OneFootball

Barcelona transfer news surrounding Joao Cancelo has taken another twist after fresh reports from Saudi Arabia revealed that Al Hilal have called the Portuguese defender back for pre-season.

According to Saudi journalist Hamad Al-Suwailhi, the Saudi Pro League side have instructed Cancelo to report for training once his World Cup commitments with Portugal come to an end. 

However, his long-term future remains unresolved as Al Hilal’s new sporting structure is expected to make a definitive decision before the conclusion of pre-season.

The development represents another obstacle in Barcelona’s efforts to secure Joao Cancelo permanently, despite the player’s clear desire to continue at Camp Nou.

Notably, after impressing under Hansi Flick during the second half of last season, Cancelo remains Barcelona’s preferred option to strengthen the full-back position.

Al Hilal postpone Cancelo decision

Joao Cancelo Barcelona talks have been ongoing for several months, but Al Hilal are not prepared to accelerate negotiations just yet.

Al Hilal expect Cancelo to return after World Cup. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

According to the report, club executives want the defender to rejoin the squad after the World Cup before deciding whether he remains part of their plans or is allowed to leave.

This is because Cancelo still has one year left on his contract in Saudi Arabia, which gives Al Hilal considerable control over the situation.

The Saudi club invested more than €20 million to sign the Portuguese international from Manchester City and remain keen to recover a significant portion of that investment.

That complicates Barcelona’s pursuit, particularly given the club’s intention to avoid spending heavily on the operation.

Until now, Barcelona rumours have consistently pointed towards Cancelo as a priority target, but the Catalans are unwilling to overpay for a player entering the final year of his contract.

Cancelo pushing for Barcelona return

For what it is worth, Cancelo’s position has not changed.

Cancelo wants to stay at Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

The defender informed Al Hilal weeks ago that he wishes to leave, with his representative Jorge Mendes leading discussions over a potential departure.

For now, it is said that Barcelona and Cancelo have already reached an agreement over a contract covering the next two seasons.

The Portuguese international is even willing to sacrifice the final year of his lucrative deal at Al Hilal to facilitate a move back to Camp Nou, although the anticipated flexibility from the Saudi side has not materialised.

Al Hilal continue to demand compensation and remain reluctant to release the player for free.

Hence, patience may ultimately be key.