Joao Cancelo to report for Al Hilal pre-season in Austria as club ready to consider sale

Joao Cancelo will link up with Al Hilal’s pre-season training camp in Austria on Wednesday, but the Portugal defender’s future at the Saudi Pro League club remains uncertain amid a growing willingness to listen to offers for him.

The 30-year-old full-back is due to rejoin the squad after completing his post-tournament holiday, granted following his involvement with Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.

However, despite his scheduled return to “Al Zaeem”, there are fresh indications that Cancelo could leave during the current summer transfer window, with Al Hilal now open to the possibility of a sale before the new campaign begins.

According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, the board of Al Hilal Company – which oversees the club’s football operations – does not oppose receiving proposals to buy Cancelo’s contract. The report frames this stance as a clear signal that the club is prepared to part with the Portuguese international if a suitable offer arrives.

The same report states that Cancelo has one year remaining on his existing deal and that Al Hilal are particularly receptive to a transfer because the player himself is keen to embark on a new challenge away from the Riyadh side.

Contract situation and move from Manchester City

Cancelo joined Al Hilal in the summer 2024 transfer window from Manchester City, signing a contract that runs until 30 June 2027.

Despite that long-term agreement, the combination of only one year left on the current phase of his deal and his desire for a fresh experience has moved Al Hilal towards a more flexible position regarding his future.

No specific clubs have yet been publicly linked in the Arriyadiyah report, and there is no mention of formal bids having been lodged, but the change in stance suggests that Al Hilal would be prepared to negotiate if concrete interest emerges in the coming weeks.

Impact at Al Hilal and Barcelona loan spell

Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Cancelo has been a regular contributor for Al Hilal. He has made 45 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing 14 assists, underlining his attacking influence from full-back.

In the second half of last season, Cancelo left Al Hilal on loan to Barcelona. During his stint with the Spanish club, he played 23 matches in all competitions, scoring two goals and registering three assists.

His loan at the Camp Nou concluded at the end of the campaign, after which he returned to Al Hilal in line with the original agreement between the clubs.

With Cancelo now set to return to Al Hilal’s training base in Austria while simultaneously exploring the prospect of a move, his situation is expected to be one of the key storylines surrounding the Saudi Pro League side as the new season approaches.