Joao Cancelo decision awaits Barcelona approach as Al Hilal review foreign squad

Al Hilal have taken another step towards resolving Joao Cancelo’s future, with the Saudi Pro League club holding verbal discussions with the Portugal full-back’s agent as Barcelona consider whether to bring him back.

Cancelo spent the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona. Reports have indicated that the 31-year-old wants to remain at the Catalan club, while Barcelona are also interested in extending their contractual relationship with the player.

However, Barcelona have not yet submitted a formal offer for Cancelo. Saudi journalist Hamad Al-Suwailhi said the club’s contact with Al Hilal has so far been limited to verbal enquiries, while negotiations between Al Hilal and the defender’s representative are continuing.

Al-Suwailhi reported the development in a post on his personal account on X, saying the discussions are intended to settle where Cancelo will play next season.

Cancelo joined Al Hilal from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 and produced a strong first campaign with the Saudi club. He was subsequently left out of Al Hilal’s domestic squad for his second season, after which he began a dispute with the club.

Al Hilal are now seeking to determine the futures of their foreign players before the new campaign begins. The club’s squad contains a large number of overseas players over the permitted age category, while only eight can be registered in the Roshn Saudi League squad.

That restriction has made Cancelo’s position particularly important, with the club needing to finalise its foreign-player list before the start of the season. The current discussions with his agent represent a further attempt to reach a decision, although a possible return to Barcelona remains dependent on the Spanish club presenting a formal proposal.

Cancelo’s loan spell at Barcelona came during the second half of the previous season, when he was again involved with the Catalan side after leaving Manchester City. His performances and the player’s preference have contributed to reports that both he and Barcelona would welcome a continuation of the arrangement.

Al Hilal will begin their Roshn Saudi League campaign on Friday, 14 August, when they face Al-Faisaly at Kingdom Arena in the opening round. The club therefore wants clarity on its squad before that fixture and before the wider preparations for the new season are completed.

For now, there has been no official bid from Barcelona, leaving Al Hilal in discussions with Cancelo’s agent while they wait to see whether the Catalan club turns its enquiries into a formal offer.