Barcelona is actively in negotiations with Al-Hilal to secure João Cancelo on a permanent basis. The Portuguese right-back, who is currently on loan, has made it clear he wants to stay with the Catalan club. Al-Hilal’s recent managerial changes could play a pretty significant role in how these discussions end up playing out.
- Barcelona is in talks with Al-Hilal for Cancelo’s permanent transfer.
- Cancelo wishes to stay at Barcelona beyond his loan period.
- Al-Hilal’s managerial changes may impact the negotiations.
Barcelona’s Pursuit of Cancelo
Barcelona is keen on strengthening their defense by bringing João Cancelo in permanently. The right-back, who joined Barcelona on loan from Al-Hilal back in January 2026, has been pretty vocal about wanting to continue with the club. His adaptability and overall skill set have made him a real valuable asset for Barcelona, and it lines up well with their strategy to beef up their defensive lineup with experienced international players.
CANCELO PUSHING TO STAY… AND BARÇA ARE MOVING 🔵🔴
Barcelona have opened talks with Al-Hilal to try to keep João Cancelo on a permanent deal.
The Portuguese fullback wants to stay at Barça… now it’s up to the clubs to sort it out https://t.co/PTuJDoFL2T
— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol)
March 29, 2026
The ongoing negotiations are very important, with Cancelo’s willingness to stay being a pivotal factor in all of this. Al-Hilal’s recent managerial shake-up, which involved the departure of Jorge Jesus and the appointment of Mohammed Al-Shalhoub as interim manager, could influence how they go about making decisions regarding Cancelo’s future.
Al-Hilal’s Strategic Considerations
Al-Hilal is currently going through a period of transition, which includes searching for a high-profile manager. This situation might affect how they handle player transfers, including Cancelo’s potential move to Barcelona. The club’s plans and financial terms could be shaped by these developments, as they consider names like Roberto De Zerbi and Carlo Ancelotti for the managerial position.
Cancelo’s European Football Journey
João Cancelo has had quite a notable career across top European clubs. Starting out at SL Benfica, he really honed his skills before making the move to Manchester City, where he showcased his talent across various leagues. His transfer to Al-Hilal in 2025 really showed the financial power that clubs outside of the traditional European circles can have. Now, with a potential permanent move to Barcelona on the table, all eyes remain on the ongoing negotiations between the two clubs.
For more information on João Cancelo’s career and transfer history, explore his journey from SL Benfica to Manchester City and beyond.
