Joao Cancelo open to Benfica return and pay cut during Barcelona loan | OneFootball

Joao Cancelo has hinted he would take a pay cut to rejoin Benfica, even as he excels on loan at Barcelona from Al-Hilal. The Portugal full-back signalled a sentimental pull towards his boyhood club.

“I’ve already earned more than I expected, but playing for Benfica is like basketball; it’s for the love of the game. I’d be prepared to lower my salary.” He told Canal 11.

Since joining in January, the 31-year-old has one goal and four assists in 12 outings. Barcelona are reportedly keen to make the move permanent this summer, yet Al-Hilal hold his registration until June 2027.

A Benfica academy graduate, Cancelo made only one senior appearance in 2013-14 before rising at Valencia, Juventus and Manchester City. He framed any Lisbon return as sentiment rather than finance.

A permanent deal is complicated, with Al-Hilal unlikely to allow a free transfer after paying €25m in 2024. Barcelona’s finances point to low-cost solutions, and the Saudi club are expected to seek a significant fee. Cancelo’s willingness to cut his wages could help unlock talks, and Benfica might yet test the waters.

Hansi Flick’s side lead La Liga by four points with nine games left, and face Atletico Madrid in a Champions League quarter-final. How Cancelo performs in the run-in could shape Barcelona’s leverage when negotiating with Al-Hilal.

Source: Goal.com