FC Barcelona moved quickly after the end of last season to negotiate Joao Cancelo’s return from Al-Hilal.
The Portuguese defender had made a positive impression under Hansi Flick during the final stretch of the campaign, and the two clubs appeared to have reached an agreement for around €10 million.
However, that situation has now changed. According to Saudi outlet Al Yaum (h/t SPORT), Al-Hilal have increased their asking price to €15 million.
Inzaghi leaves Cancelo out
The change comes after Simone Inzaghi left Cancelo out of the squad for Al-Hilal’s league opener.
The Italian coach, who does not appear to count on the Portuguese defender, does not believe he is physically ready to compete despite having trained with his teammates for a week.
Cancelo, meanwhile, continues to make his desire to return to Barcelona clear. The 32-year-old has repeatedly posted images of himself wearing Barça colours on social media.
Cancelo’s latest nod to Barça on Instagram.
He shared another photograph in the club’s kit on Friday morning, reinforcing a preference that has been clear since the end of last season.
In his previous campaign, Cancelo scored two goals and provided three assists in 23 appearances, and he wants to return to Barcelona for what would be his third spell with the club.
Al-Hilal raise the price
The player’s wishes, however, now conflict with Al-Hilal’s position. The Saudi club had even given Cancelo the No. 20 shirt for the new season, suggesting that his situation had not been fully resolved.
The original agreement with Barça was reportedly close to €10 million, with only some administrative details left to settle.
Al-Hilal have raised their asking price. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Al-Hilal have now changed those terms and are demanding €15 million to release the Portuguese full-back, who can operate on either side of the defence.
With the transfer window closing and Al-Hilal also interested in Marc Casado, the pressure is mounting on Deco.
Cancelo has made it abundantly clear that he wants to return to Barcelona and Flick is also intent on a reunion. But Barça must now decide whether to meet Al-Hilal’s increased demands or risk the operation collapsing in the final days of the window.