Joao Cancelo is still waiting for the chance to return to Barcelona.
The Portuguese full-back is determined to continue his career with Hansi Flick’s team, where he spent the second half of the last season on loan, but negotiations with Al-Hilal are proving more difficult than expected.
Barcelona began talks when the previous season ended. Cancelo’s loan spell left a very positive impression at Spotify Camp Nou, and everything seemed ready for the Portuguese to return to Barcelona for €10 million.
However, according to recent reports, the terms of the transfer have changed in recent days as Al-Hilal are now asking for around €15 million.
Cancelo keeps sending signals
Cancelo, meanwhile, continues to send signals to the club he wants to join. His latest came this Saturday on his personal Instagram account.
The veteran Portuguese star posted a black-and-white photograph of himself from his time at Barça, accompanied by the song “Jovens Milionários.”
The Portuguese has no doubts and wants to play for Barça next season. This is not the only hint he has dropped in recent weeks.
A few days ago, he posted a photograph of himself wearing the Blaugrana shirt, while on Friday morning he once again shared an image of the Barça kit on his Instagram Stories.
His desire has been clear since the end of last season, when he scored two goals and provided three assists in 23 appearances: he only wants to play for Barcelona, which would represent his third spell in the Catalan capital after two loan moves.
Waiting for Barcelona. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
Not counted at Al-Hilal
Cancelo continues to wait for Barça, while at the Saudi club Simone Inzaghi left him out of the squad for the first league match.
The Italian coach does not count on him, but the two clubs still have not reached an agreement over his transfer.
“He’s still training as normal with the team. As for his future and whether he’ll stay, that’s a matter for the board,” explained Inzaghi earlier this week.
Ideally, the Blaugrana would have preferred to have Cancelo back at the club by now, given that the new season starts in a week. And naturally, the wait will be a frustrating one as all parties look to find a resolution.