Al Hilal consider disciplinary action against Barcelona target over absence from pre-season camp | OneFootball

Joao Cancelo’s proposed move to Barcelona has hit a fresh complication as SPORT reports that Al Hilal are considering disciplinary action against the defender for failing to report for the club’s pre-season training camp.

The Portuguese international remains under contract with the Saudi side for another year and was expected to join the squad in Austria on 29 July following his post-Club World Cup holiday.

Instead, Cancelo stayed in Portugal while negotiations over his future continued.

According to the report, Al Hilal believe Cancelo remains their player until a transfer is officially completed and are therefore considering fining him for failing to attend the training camp.

From the club’s perspective, the defender was obliged to report as scheduled, regardless of the ongoing discussions with Barcelona.

Cancelo failed to report to Al Hilal pre-season camp. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Mendes chose to keep Cancelo away

Cancelo’s absence is understood to have come after consultations with his agent, Jorge Mendes, who is leading negotiations with both clubs.

The thinking was to avoid having the player briefly rejoin Al Hilal’s squad when all parties expect him to leave before the end of the transfer window.

However, the Saudi Arabian club appear to view the decision differently and could use the incident to strengthen their negotiating position as talks continue.

Barcelona remain confident

Despite the latest developments, Barcelona remain optimistic that the deal will ultimately be completed.

The transfer itself is believed to be largely agreed, with the remaining discussions focused on the financial aspects of Cancelo’s departure from Saudi Arabia.

The full-back still has one year remaining on a lucrative contract with Al Hilal, and negotiations are centred on finding a solution that minimises the financial impact of terminating that agreement while also resolving tax-related matters.

For that reason, no documents were expected to be signed before the beginning of August, with the timeline broadly matching the plans of everyone involved.

All parties working to complete the transfer. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

What neither side appeared to anticipate was Cancelo’s decision not to attend pre-season altogether.

Other players expected to leave Al Hilal this summer, including Darwin Nunez, have still reported for duty while transfer negotiations continue, making Cancelo’s absence more noticeable.

Whether Al Hilal’s reaction affects the final stages of negotiations remains to be seen.

A priority for Flick

Barcelona continue to regard Cancelo as one of the priority signings for Hansi Flick’s project.

The German coach is keen to bring the Portugal international back after his successful loan spell, during which he established himself as a first-choice option on the left side of defence ahead of Alejandro Balde.

The two parties have already agreed personal terms on a two-year contract, while Barcelona hope to complete the transfer for a fee below €10 million.

Cancelo has also agreed to give up a significant portion of the salary he was due in Saudi Arabia, making it easier for Barcelona to register him under La Liga’s financial regulations once the transfer is completed.