Joao Cancelo pictured back with Al Hilal as Barcelona move remains in doubt

Joao Cancelo has returned to Al Hilal after an absence of almost a month, with his reappearance coming as reports continue to link the Portugal full-back with a permanent move to Barcelona.

Al Hilal published photographs on Friday showing several players arriving at the club’s new training base, Al Majdiah Sports Center, for their first session in Riyadh since returning from an overseas camp in Austria.

Cancelo was pictured at the facility for the first time since the Saudi Arabian club travelled to Austria for their pre-season preparations. His absence from the camp had attracted attention, particularly because of reports that he was seeking a return to Barcelona.

Some reports at the time suggested that Cancelo had missed the camp without permission as he attempted to secure a move to the Spanish club. Those claims were later denied, with it subsequently reported that his absence had been agreed between the player and Al Hilal.

His return to training comes as other media reports claim Barcelona have persuaded Al Hilal to make his move permanent. The proposed transfer fee is understood to be about €10m.

Cancelo spent the second half of last season with Barcelona on loan from Al Hilal. His performances reportedly impressed Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, increasing the possibility that the 32-year-old could remain at the club beyond the temporary agreement.

The Portuguese defender joined Al Hilal in the summer of 2024 after leaving Manchester City. He produced strong performances during his first season in Saudi Arabia, but was left out of the club’s domestic squad for the following campaign.

That decision appeared to mark the beginning of Cancelo’s attempts to leave Al Hilal, with Barcelona emerging as his preferred destination. However, his return to the club’s training base indicates that no permanent transfer has yet been formally confirmed.

Al Hilal’s session in Riyadh followed the conclusion of their training camp in Austria and marked the latest stage of preparations at their new facility. Cancelo’s inclusion in the club’s published images provides the clearest indication so far that he is again working with the Saudi Arabian side.

Barcelona must now determine whether they can complete a permanent agreement for a player who has already worked under Flick and made a positive impression during his loan spell. Al Hilal, meanwhile, continue to hold Cancelo’s registration while negotiations over his next move remain unresolved.