Barcelona have been trying to wrap up a deal with Al Hilal for Joao Cancelo since the start of the summer transfer window.
The Portuguese full-back left a lasting impression during his loan spell at the Catalan club in the second half of last season.
He predominantly played at left-back, displacing Alejandro Balde as Hansi Flick’s first choice in that position.
Cancelo has made it clear that he wants out of Al Hilal to return to Barça, but the Saudi Pro League club are playing hard to get so far.
Now, according to SPORT, Cancelo’s situation at Al Hilal has taken another uncomfortable turn, with the Portuguese full-back left out of the squad for the club’s opening Saudi league fixture.
Inzaghi leaves Cancelo out
Simone Inzaghi has decided not to call up Cancelo for the match against Al-Faisaly, just a week after the defender was forced to return to Al Hilal training following his summer break.
Inzaghi does not believe the 32-year-old is currently in sufficient shape to compete, despite the defender having spent the past week training with his Al-Hilal teammates.
Hansi Flick wants Cancelo back at Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
As a result, Cancelo will not be involved in the first competitive game of the new campaign.
The situation is particularly notable because Inzaghi and Cancelo have already experienced difficulties in their working relationship.
The Portuguese international had previously found himself on the bench and outside matchday squads under the same coach.
Barcelona negotiations remain stalled
For Barça, the development comes while negotiations with Al Hilal remain at a standstill.
Hansi Flick wants Cancelo, but the two clubs have yet to agree on the financial terms required to bring him back to Barcelona.
Al Hilal continue to demand around €10 million for the defender, who has one year remaining on his contract.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are pushing for a significant reduction and have explored alternative structures to make the operation more financially attractive.
Barça should remain patient
Cancelo is eager to move to Camp Nou. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Cancelo being left out of Inzaghi’s squad does not automatically mean Al Hilal will reduce their asking price.
However, it does underline the increasingly awkward situation facing the Saudi club.
Keeping a highly paid player whom the coach does not currently consider part of his competitive plans is hardly an ideal outcome.
This should give Barça some optimism that Al Hilal may reduce their demands to an extent, and there is little reason for them to panic.
Flick clearly values Cancelo’s experience and versatility, but Barça also know better than to overpay for a player with a solitary year left on his contract.
The next few days could see Barça’s deal for the 32-year-old advance, and it remains to be seen whether Deco can get Al Hilal to accept a lower fee to sanction Cancelo’s exit.