Overview
- Coach Simone Inzaghi left Joao Cancelo out of Al‑Hilal’s matchday squad, a move reported on Friday that Al‑Hilal sources linked to the player’s fitness and his status outside the coach’s plans.
- Other reports say Al‑Hilal officially registered Cancelo for the new season and assigned him the number 20 shirt, underlining that he remains under contract in Riyadh.
- Negotiations between Barcelona and Al‑Hilal are stalled over an asking price near €10 million, with Barça pressing for a reduced fee and alternative payment structures.
- Cancelo is keen to return to Barcelona and his one year of remaining contract time reduces Al‑Hilal’s leverage but does not force them to accept a low fee.
- Administrative and registration problems plus Barcelona’s budget limits are complicating talks, so the clubs face rising pressure in the coming days to reach a deal or for Barça to seek other options.