Softfootball understands that Barcelona’s chase for João Cancelo has finally moved from talk to action. The Catalan giants have submitted an official opening bid to Saudi side Al Hilal, making it clear they want the Portuguese full-back back at Camp Nou before the transfer window closes.
As reported by sport expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
He posted:
EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona send initial official bid to Al Hilal for João Cancelo.Loan proposal with small part of salary covered, negotiations ongoing.Inter have deal verbally agreed with Al Hilal for Cancelo since last week. but player’s waiting for Barça.
The proposal on the table is a loan deal, very much in line with Barcelona’s current financial situation. The club has offered to pay only a limited part of Cancelo’s salary, leaving Al Hilal to cover the rest.
Barcelona, who recently defeated Villarreal 2-0 and also defeated Espanyol 2-0 in La Liga to maintain their place at the top of the table, are once again trying to be creative in the market.
Inter Milan also remain heavily involved and, by most reports, already have a verbal agreement with Al Hilal since last week. That deal could include a player going the other way, with one of Inter’s central defenders possibly included. From Al Hilal’s perspective, that option might look more balanced, maybe even safer.
Yet, the biggest factor here is Cancelo himself. The defender wants Barcelona, and he hasn’t been shy about it. After a solid loan spell in Spain, he’s keen to return and is reportedly willing to accept a pay cut to make it happen.
That doesn’t happen often, especially with offers from clubs that can pay more. His preference puts pressure on Al Hilal, even if Inter’s offer looks stronger on paper.
Time is now becoming an issue. Cancelo is currently with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, but his focus is elsewhere. Barcelona, Inter, and Al Hilal all want clarity soon, and dragging this out helps nobody. Internally, Barcelona are still discussing how to fit Cancelo into their wage structure without breaching La Liga rules, which is not simple at all.
The next few days will be decisive. Barcelona have shown intent, Inter already have groundwork done, and Al Hilal hold the final say. But if player desire still counts for something in modern football, Cancelo’s wish to wear the Blaugrana again could tip the balance. For now, the saga continues, and not everyone is fully relaxed about how it ends.
