Cancellation without place at Al-Hilal and new nod to Barça
According to Mundodeportivo.
Context
João Cancelo, aged 32, has a career marked by success in several leagues, including the Premier League and La Liga. His experience and quality are highly valued, and his return to Barcelona could significantly strengthen the team's defense. The current situation at Al-Hilal, where he does not count for the coach, makes his departure more likely.
Why this matters
João Cancelo's situation is crucial for both Al-Hilal and FC Barcelona. The Portuguese full-back, who was not called up for the first game of the Saudi Pro League, is facing difficulties integrating into the Saudi team, which could influence his career. His desire to return to Barcelona reflects his ambition to compete in La Liga, where he has already had success.
Main conclusions
- Cancellation without place at Al-Hilal and new nod to Barça.
- The Portuguese is not included in the options for Al-Hilal's first official game and keeps his desire to return to Barcelona alive.
- Cancelo, no place in Al-Hilal and new guidance to Barça.
João Cancelo continues to wait for the resolution of his future and, for now, he does not count for Al-Hilal. The 32-year-old Portuguese full-back was left out of the squad list for the team's debut in the Saudi Pro League against Al-Faisaly, scheduled for this Friday, at 8 pm. The decision was made by coach Simone Inzaghi, at a time when the Portuguese international still does little training with his teammates, having joined later in the pre-season.
According to the press, Cancelo presented himself last Friday after participating in the World Cup and is still looking for the best competitive rhythm, reason enough for him not to be part of the official opening game of the Saudi season. Added to this is the player's expressed desire to put an end to his time at the Riyadh club and complete his return to FC Barcelona.
The agreement between Barcelona and Al-Hilal for Cancelo's arrival remains on standby, while bureaucratic and tax procedures that have delayed the operation are overcome. Despite the waiting period, the Catalan club remains confident that the Portuguese will end up reinforcing the squad led by Hansi Flick during this summer market. Cancelo himself fueled the expectations of the culés by sharing, on social media, a photo of himself wearing the Blaugrana jersey, a new clear nod to the desire to return to wearing the Azulgrana as soon as possible.
On the Saudi side, the scenario also points to an exit. Al-Hilal currently has 13 foreign players in the squad, when regulations in Saudi Arabia only allow 10 to be registered per team. This overcrowding forces quick decisions before registrations close and makes the Cancelo case even more pressing within the club's structure.
In sporting terms, Cancelo continues to work to recover his best physical performance, in order to be ready as soon as the dossier is closed. The end of last season left good indications and Hansi Flick was satisfied with the full-back's performance, a figure capable of offering solutions on both flanks and adding depth to the offensive maneuver.
For now, the Portuguese is following Al-Hilal's debut in the new season from a distance, while waiting for concrete news about the move to Camp Nou. Between the need to reduce the number of foreigners in the Saudi emblem and the confidence installed in Catalonia, the outcome seems to be on track — it remains to unlock the administrative details so that Cancelo can finally settle accounts with the immediate future of his career.
What happens next
Cancelo's future will depend on resolving the bureaucratic and tax issues that are delaying his transfer to Barcelona. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal are aware that they need to reduce the number of foreign players in the squad, which could accelerate the player's departure. The expectation is that, once the procedures are resolved, Cancelo will finally be able to join Hansi Flick's squad.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to João Cancelo at Al-Hilal?
João Cancelo was not called up for Al-Hilal's debut in the Saudi Pro League and awaits the resolution of his future.
Who confirmed that Cancelo does not count for Al-Hilal?
The decision not to call up Cancelo was made by coach Simone Inzaghi.
Why isn't Cancelo playing for Al-Hilal now?
Cancelo is still looking for the best competitive rhythm after joining pre-season late and not participating in enough training.
What changes are occurring in Cancelo's situation?
/h3>
The agreement between FC Barcelona and Al-Hilal for Cancelo's arrival is on 'stand by' due to bureaucratic and tax procedures.
What is João Cancelo's desire for his future?
Cancelo expressed his desire to end his spell at Al-Hilal and return to FC Barcelona.