Al-Hilal ‘to punish’ Cancelo after secret agreement as Barcelona talks advance | OneFootball

Al-Hilal are considering disciplinary action against Cancelo after he failed to report to their Austrian training camp despite an official summons. 365Scores reports that a financial penalty is under discussion.

The Portugal full-back is under contract with the Saudi club until summer 2027. He had been due to join last Wednesday after his World Cup break but did not travel.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona, who are in talks to keep him. The report says he stayed away after a secret agreement with his agent Jorge Mendes and Barcelona, which hinges on him refusing to attend the camp.

Al-Hilal’s move to penalise Cancelo is seen as a negotiating ploy to increase pressure on Barcelona. At Barcelona there is quiet confidence, with an agreement said to be close.

Current talks focus on the mechanism of his exit from Saudi Arabia given his salary, plus tax arrangements to limit any losses. The timeline was always expected to run into August, though his absence from camp was not anticipated.

Barcelona and Cancelo have agreed a two-season deal, which the Catalans hope to finalise for under 10 million euros. The player has reportedly accepted giving up a large part of his dues to ease the move, and Barcelona believe his salary can be registered without financial fair play issues.

Source: Goal.com