Al-Hilal won’t ‘gift’ Joao Cancelo to Barcelona despite strained relationship with Inzaghi
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Barcelona are determined to keep Joao Cancelo at the club, but negotiations with Al-Hilal are proving far from straightforward.
According to SPORT, the Saudi Pro League side has no intention of allowing the experienced full-back to leave on a bargain deal, despite his uncertain future under Simone Inzaghi.
The Portuguese international has made it clear that his priority is to continue at Spotify Camp Nou after impressing under Hansi Flick last season.
However, Barcelona’s desire to complete a permanent transfer now depends on convincing Al-Hilal to lower their demands.
With Barcelona transfer news focusing on strengthening the squad before the new season, Cancelo remains one of Flick’s priority targets, although the operation is entering a decisive phase.
Barcelona and Cancelo aligned over permanent transfer
Barcelona’s sporting department identified Cancelo as one of their main objectives as soon as last season came to an end.
Cancelo wants to stay at Barcelona. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
From the outset, Cancelo informed both clubs that he wanted to continue wearing the Barcelona shirt rather than return permanently to Saudi Arabia.
That desire has kept the transfer alive throughout the summer.
Barcelona believe Cancelo’s age, his contractual situation and his difficult relationship with Inzaghi could create the conditions for a favourable agreement.
The club hopes to complete the signing for a fee below €10 million, a figure they consider reasonable given the circumstances.
Despite that optimism, discussions have yet to produce a breakthrough.
Al-Hilal stand firm despite Inzaghi’s plans
Although reports suggest Inzaghi does not see Cancelo as part of his long-term plans, Al-Hilal have shown no willingness to weaken their negotiating position.
Al-Hilal will not make it easy for Barcelona to sign Cancelo. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
The Saudi club expect the Portugal international to report back for pre-season once his post-World Cup holiday comes to an end.
Having only recently begun his break following international duty, Cancelo is not expected to return to training for at least another week.
His return could become an important moment in the transfer development, but Al-Hilal insist nothing has changed regarding his future.
According to the report, the club has not received any formal proposal from Barcelona or any other interested side.
Until that happens, their position remains unchanged despite the uncertainty surrounding the player’s role under Inzaghi.