Overview
- João Cancelo did not report to Al‑Hilal’s Austria preseason and has been training privately in Portugal while negotiations continue.
- Barcelona and Al‑Hilal are negotiating a permanent transfer reported at about €10 million, and multiple outlets describe the deal as close but not yet signed.
- Spanish media say the tax and registration problems that delayed the move have largely been addressed, leaving the inter‑club paperwork as the main remaining step.
- Al‑Hilal has publicly said Cancelo’s absence was authorised, though some reports suggested the club considered sanctions as a negotiation tactic.
- Key details still unresolved include the exact contract form and length for Cancelo and how Barcelona will register his salary within its summer squad plans.