BARCELONA. Barcelona’s prospects of securing Joao Cancelo on a permanent basis have improved following Al Hilal’s decision to retain Simone Inzaghi as head coach, with the Portuguese full back’s difficult relationship with the Italian manager expected to facilitate his departure from the Saudi Arabian club.
The 31 year old has been on loan at Spotify Camp Nou since January, having completed a temporary return to the Catalan club for the second half of the 2025/26 campaign. He played a key role in Barcelona’s successful La Liga title defence, contributing one goal and three assists in 13 league appearances as Hansi Flick’s side clinched back to back domestic crowns with a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in El Clásico .
Cancelo’s trophy laden career reached a historic milestone with that triumph, as he became the first player to win league titles in four of Europe’s top five divisions, having previously lifted the Primeira Liga with Benfica, Serie A with Juventus, the Premier League with Manchester City, and the Bundesliga during a loan spell at Bayern Munich .
Inzaghi stay opens door for Barcelona move
The uncertainty surrounding Inzaghi’s position at Al Hilal had complicated negotiations, with several transfer operations placed on hold while the club resolved the managerial question. However, according to SPORT, Inzaghi will continue in his role for the forthcoming season, a development that works in Barcelona’s favour.
Cancelo and Inzaghi are understood not to share a particularly harmonious relationship, and the coach is unlikely to include the full back in his plans for next season. Inzaghi is expected to request the signing of a new full back, effectively clearing the way for Cancelo’s exit .
The Portuguese defender is reportedly looking to terminate the final year of his Al Hilal contract to simplify his return to Barcelona. Should that prove unworkable, the Catalan club are expected to pay a compensation fee to the Saudi Arabian side, who have previously indicated a willingness to negotiate their asking price.
Cancelo’s desire to remain at Barcelona has been clear. Following the league clinching victory over Real Madrid, he spoke openly about his hopes for the future.
“Barça is a very special club for me, even before coming here I was a Barça fan. Winning a league with this club is very special,” Cancelo told reporters. “I know what I want, I can’t say it publicly. We’ll see what happens” .
Barcelona await perfect moment to strike
For now, Barcelona are waiting for the opportune moment to formalise their approach, while Cancelo remains occupied with Portugal’s World Cup campaign. The full back featured in Portugal’s 0-0 draw against Colombia, playing 45 minutes before being replaced at half time as coach Roberto Martinez made tactical adjustments .
The Catalan club are working on multiple operations this summer, with the pursuit of Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid remaining a priority. However, securing Cancelo on a permanent basis is viewed as a significant piece of business that would provide Flick with continuity at full back.
Al Hilal, who finished as runners-up in both the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup last season, have already demonstrated their willingness to reshape their squad under Inzaghi . The club’s 91st trophy in their history came via the King’s Cup triumph in May, though they fell short in the league to an unbeaten Al Ittihad side .
For Cancelo, the opportunity to remain at Barcelona represents the chance to continue his career at the highest level, with the full back having established himself as a key figure in Flick’s title winning side. The coming weeks, once Portugal’s tournament concludes, should provide greater clarity on whether the two clubs can reach an agreement.
