Overview
- Multiple reports say Al‑Hilal have dropped insistence on a €15 million asking price, a shift that has given Barcelona renewed confidence about signing Cancelo permanently.
- Sources report Cancelo does not want to return to Saudi Arabia and has a poor relationship with Al‑Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi, which has made his exit from Riyadh more likely.
- Any transfer still needs an agreement because Cancelo is under contract with Al‑Hilal until June 30, 2027, so clubs must resolve whether a small fee, a rescission or a player exchange will be used.
- Super‑agent Jorge Mendes is involved in talks and media reports name Marc Casado as a possible makeweight or exchange to reduce cash outlay and help satisfy Al‑Hilal.
- If Barcelona completes a low‑cost deal it would ease Financial Fair Play pressure and affect their summer plans by freeing room for targets such as Julián Álvarez or Bernardo Silva.