Barcelona handed Joao Cancelo boost as Al-Hilal ‘to lower’ €15m price | OneFootball

Barcelona have received a lift in their push to sign Joao Cancelo permanently, with Al-Hilal said to be ready to reduce the original €15m fee, according to Mundo Deportivo. The full-back has made clear he does not want a Saudi Pro League return after his loan in Catalonia.

Talks are progressing through steady dialogue between the clubs, led by Jorge Mendes. The Saudi side has eased its stance, creating room for a cheaper agreement.

The 32-year-old wants to remain at Camp Nou, where he became an important part of the team. He is reported to be unhappy with Al-Hilal’s leadership and has criticised broken assurances over squad registration, while saying he keeps his word and holds no grudges.

His relationship with manager Simone Inzaghi is said to be non-existent, making a return to Riyadh practically impossible whether the Italian stays or goes. Cancelo’s priority is to continue in Spain under Hansi Flick.

He helped Barcelona claim their 29th league title, becoming the first footballer to win league crowns in four of Europe’s top five divisions. His CV includes the Premier League, Serie A, the Bundesliga and La Liga.

Mendes is also working on Marc Casado’s future, with a potential switch to Al-Hilal as he is not in Flick’s long-term plans.

Barcelona are assessing further defensive options, with Marc Cucurella open to leaving Chelsea for Spain and the club monitoring him. With Cancelo mostly used on the left and Alejandro Balde in place, that flank could become crowded.

Source: Goal.com