Joao Cancelo handed Al Hilal squad number as Barcelona transfer remains unresolved

Al Hilal have strengthened their position over Joao Cancelo’s future by including the Portugal defender in their squad list for the 2026-27 season, despite Barcelona’s efforts to complete a permanent transfer.

The Saudi club have assigned the 32-year-old the number 20 shirt, the same number he wore during his first spell with Al Hilal and currently wears for Portugal. The decision is being viewed as an indication that Cancelo remains an Al Hilal player until a formal agreement is reached.

Spanish newspaper Sport reported that the move came as Cancelo’s proposed transfer to Barcelona appeared close to completion. The clubs are understood to have reached an agreement on most of the details of a deal worth about €10m, with the Portugal international having been a target for Barcelona since the end of last season.

Cancelo spent the second half of last season at Barcelona, making 23 appearances and contributing two goals and three assists. He became an important member of Hansi Flick’s team, particularly while Alejandro Balde was affected by recurring muscular injuries.

Barcelona sporting director Deco and Flick both consider the deal a priority. Flick is said to have requested Cancelo’s return after being impressed by his performances during his previous spell at the club.

However, tax-related complications have delayed the official announcement of the transfer. Those issues have prevented the move from being completed, despite the apparent progress made between Barcelona and Al Hilal.

Al Hilal do not include Cancelo in their sporting plans for the upcoming campaign. The club have instead signed Mohammed Mahzari for €8m to play in the same position. Their focus is therefore on recovering the money invested when Cancelo was signed from Manchester City.

That explains Al Hilal’s insistence on receiving €10m for the player. Barcelona are prepared to pay that amount for a footballer who already understands the club and can operate effectively on both sides of the pitch.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the transfer, Cancelo returned to Al Hilal training on 7 August after completing his holiday. He had been away following his participation at the World Cup, where Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the last 16.

Cancelo initially worked individually after reporting back, before making a surprise return to group training under Simone Inzaghi a few days later. Al Hilal’s decision to include him in their official squad and give him the number 20 shirt has added further weight to the impression that the club are maintaining control of the situation.

Barcelona, however, remain confident that the transfer can still be completed before 1 September. If the deal goes through, Cancelo would return to wearing the Barcelona shirt for the third time in his career.