Joao Cancelo remains central to Al Hilal plans as Barcelona negotiations continue

Al Hilal have moved to end speculation over Joao Cancelo’s absence from the start of their pre-season camp in Austria, saying the Portugal full-back’s decision not to join the squad immediately had been approved in advance.

Reports had suggested that Cancelo missed the opening of the Saudi club’s training camp without permission from the board. However, Al-Midan Al-Riyadi, citing sources within Al Hilal, said those claims were completely untrue.

The club’s management had informed its international players of the dates on which they were expected to report for the camp, using official correspondence sent by email. Those messages included an individual schedule for each player.

“Joao Cancelo’s absence from the team’s gathering in Austria took place after direct coordination and with prior permission from the club’s management. The player did not breach instructions, and there is no truth to what was reported about his absence without an excuse,” the sources told the newspaper.

The clarification is intended to settle questions about Cancelo’s conduct and whether he had failed to comply with the club’s preparations for the new season. It also comes as Al Hilal continue to work on the player’s long-term future.

Cancelo’s transfer is currently one of the club’s main priorities, with Al Hilal intensifying negotiations with Barcelona over a permanent move for the Portuguese defender during the current summer transfer window.

Both clubs are keen to resolve the matter as soon as possible, according to the sources cited by Al-Midan Al-Riyadi. The discussions have added further uncertainty over whether Cancelo will remain in Riyadh or return to Europe by moving back to Barcelona.

The 31-year-old joined Al Hilal after his period with Barcelona and has remained the subject of attention during the club’s preparations. His absence from the Austrian camp had prompted speculation among supporters, particularly because of the uncertainty surrounding negotiations between the Saudi club and Barcelona.

Al Hilal’s account, as reported by the Saudi newspaper, is that Cancelo’s delayed arrival was not the result of an unauthorised absence or any dispute with the club. Instead, the player’s situation had been discussed directly with the management before the squad gathered in Austria.

The latest statement leaves his final destination unresolved. Al Hilal are still attempting to complete an agreement with Barcelona, while supporters wait to discover whether Cancelo will continue his career in Riyadh or return to Europe through Camp Nou.