Al Hilal’s €20 million price tag fuels João Cancelo’s Barcelona push

Al Hilal paid just over €20 million to secure João Cancelo, the Portuguese full‑back whose loan at FC Barcelona ended on 30 June. With a year left on his contract, Cancelo has returned to Riyadh but insists his priority is a move back to the Spotify Camp Nou.

Cancelo’s contract with Al Hilal runs for another year, meaning he could leave on a free transfer after the 2024‑25 season. Nevertheless, his immediate aim is to re‑join FC Barcelona, the club he considers his first choice.

The defender told Al Hilal he will not play under head coach Simone Inzaghi, making his return to the Saudi side conditional on the Italian’s departure. This stance is intended to increase pressure on the club to accommodate his Barcelona wish.

Al Hilal’s board has publicly reaffirmed its confidence in Inzaghi, signalling that a coaching change is unlikely. Consequently, Cancelo’s demand is viewed as unrealistic by the Saudi side.

FC Barcelona’s sporting department is fully aware of Cancelo’s desire and has asked him to be patient while they explore a viable transfer route. The main hurdle is Al Hilal’s financial ask – the club paid just over €20 million for the player and now seeks a fee exceeding €10 million, which Barcelona deem excessive given his contract expires in a year.

During the winter market, Cancelo turned down a more lucrative offer from Inter Milan to preserve his chances of staying with FC Barcelona during his second loan spell. That decision underscores his willingness to prioritise sporting ambition over higher wages.

Hansi Flick regards Cancelo as the leading candidate for the left‑back role, even ahead of Alejandro Balde, and insists the Portuguese veteran is integral to his plans. While Barcelona are reluctant to overpay, his case highlights how clubs balance ambition with financial prudence in a market where fees above €10 million are increasingly scrutinised.