Joao Cancelo's Future: Al-Hilal's 2026/27 Squad and Barcelona's Pursuit

Joao Cancelo’s summer has become a study in mixed signals. On one hand, Al-Hilal have handed him a squad number for the 2026/27 season. On the other, Barcelona are edging towards bringing him back to Catalonia on a permanent deal.

Two clubs, one right-back, and a transfer that refuses to end.

No.20 in Riyadh, but eyes on Barcelona

Al-Hilal have listed Cancelo in their squad plans and given him the No.20 shirt, the number he wore in his first spell at the club and the one he has long made his own with Portugal. On paper, it looks like a statement of intent.

In reality, it feels more like a holding pattern.

Being on a squad list in August does not guarantee he will still be in Saudi Arabia when the European window closes. Barcelona are still pushing to finalise a deal believed to be worth around €10 million, a fee that would allow Al-Hilal to recoup a significant part of their outlay when they signed him from Manchester City.

The agreement between the clubs is described as practically complete. Cancelo’s side is already settled: personal terms with Barça have been agreed since the end of last season.

Flick’s trusted full-back

Hansi Flick does not need convincing. Cancelo earned his trust on the pitch.

The Portuguese defender made 23 appearances under Flick last season, scoring twice and supplying three assists. More importantly, he became a fixture in the starting XI at a time when Alejandro Balde battled muscular problems, covering key minutes and positions with the sort of authority that quickly changes a coach’s mind from “loan stopgap” to “we need him back.”

Those performances left a clear impression. For Flick, turning that short spell into a permanent stay is not a luxury signing; it is a piece of business that stabilises both flanks of his defence. Cancelo knows the dressing room, understands the pressure of Camp Nou, and has already shown he can adapt to Flick’s demands.

A simple deal turned saga

On paper, this should have been straightforward. Player wants Barça. Coach wants the player. Clubs aligned on a realistic fee.

It has not played out that way.

Fiscal and financial details have dragged the process out, delaying the official announcement and turning what looked like a routine operation into yet another drawn-out Barcelona transfer story. The club’s well-documented economic constraints mean every million, every amortisation line, every tax nuance matters.

Inside the sporting department, the stance is clear. Deco remains intent on closing the transfer, while Flick continues to view Cancelo as an important piece of his tactical puzzle for the coming season.

The will is there. The paperwork, less so.

Al-Hilal brace for life without Cancelo

Al-Hilal’s moves suggest they are already planning for a future without the Portuguese full-back. The Saudi club have brought in Mohammed Mahzari, who operates in the same position, a signing that looks very much like insurance in case Cancelo departs.

Their priority now is not to build around him, but to protect their investment. Recovering around €10 million from Barcelona would do exactly that. For Barça, it is a price they are prepared to pay for a defender who can play on both sides of the back line and who already fits the environment.

So the two clubs wait for signatures, each with their own reasons to push the deal over the line.

Training in Saudi, mind in Spain?

For the moment, the reality is simple: Cancelo is an Al-Hilal player.

He returned to training with the Saudi side on August 7, following his post-World Cup holiday, and has already resumed work under their staff. He wears No.20, he runs with his current teammates, he prepares as if he will be needed.

Yet the story still feels unfinished.

Barcelona know exactly what they are getting. Cancelo knows exactly where he wants to be. Al-Hilal know exactly what they want to recoup.

Now the question is not whether this move makes sense. It is how much longer a deal that looks “practically complete” can stay stuck in limbo.