Barcelona handed major boost as Saudi club soften stance on defender’s permanent transfer | OneFootball

Barcelona are growing increasingly confident about securing Joao Cancelo on a permanent basis, with fresh developments suggesting the operation is becoming easier by the day.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Al-Hilal have significantly softened their position regarding the Portuguese full-back and are no longer insisting on the €15 million figure that had previously complicated discussions. 

The latest update represents a major boost for Barcelona, who have long considered keeping Cancelo beyond his loan spell a priority.

It must be noted that the defender has become an important part of the squad since arriving and there is already a widespread belief within the club that he will continue wearing Barcelona colours next season.

Cancelo does not want to return

Accoridng to the outlet, sources close to the negotiations indicate that Al-Hilal are no longer standing in the way of Cancelo’s permanent departure.

Cancelo does not want to return to Saudi. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

This is because the Saudi club has accepted that the player wants a different future and are now more open to finding a solution that works for all parties involved. 

Notably, one of the key reasons behind that shift is the defender’s own position.

Cancelo does not want to return to Saudi Arabia as his relationship with coach Simone Inzaghi is far from ideal. 

The report suggests that there is little chemistry between player and manager, making a long-term reunion increasingly unlikely.

Whether Inzaghi remains at the club or not, Cancelo’s departure is viewed as almost inevitable. 

Casado has been offered to Al-Hilal. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

In fact, the remaining discussion revolves around the structure of the operation and what Al-Hilal may request in exchange.

Casado can help ease the deal

Good thing for Barcelona that they are not expecting major financial fair play complications when it comes to completing a permanent move for Cancelo. 

However, another interesting element in this deal involves Jorge Mendes, who continues to play an important role.

According to the report, one of his clients, midfielder Marc Casado, has emerged as a potential target for Al-Hilal, as he is prepared to consider offers this summer after struggling to establish himself as a regular under Flick.

A separate move involving Casado could potentially help facilitate discussions between the clubs and create a smoother pathway towards Cancelo’s permanent transfer.