Al-Hilal Set €15 Million Asking Price for Barcelona to Secure Permanent Joao Cancelo Deal

Posted : 24 March 2026

Barcelona’s ongoing search for defensive stability has led them back to a familiar face, as reports confirm Al-Hilal have set a €15 million valuation for Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese full-back returned to the Catalan capital on a six-month loan in January 2024 after falling out of favor with the Saudi Arabian club's management. Despite being 31 years old, Cancelo has quickly become a vital component of Hansi Flick’s tactical setup during the second half of the 2025/2026 campaign.

Hansi Flick has reportedly given the "green light" for the club to pursue a permanent transfer following Cancelo's impressive recent form. Most recently, the defender earned high praise for his "incredible" second-half performance in Barcelona’s narrow 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano on March 22. Flick highlighted Cancelo’s versatility and energy, noting that the player’s ability to operate on either flank provides much-needed flexibility amid ongoing injury concerns for Alejandro Balde.

While the €15 million fee is considered reasonable in the current market, Barcelona’s fragile financial situation remains a significant hurdle. The club must weigh the cost against Cancelo’s age and his substantial salary requirements. Currently earning approximately €12 million annually, the defender would likely need to accept a significant pay cut to make a permanent stay feasible. However, sources suggest Cancelo is determined to remain in Spain and is willing to negotiate terms to facilitate the move.

The transfer carries broader implications for Barcelona’s squad depth as they sit atop the La Liga table with 70 points. With the club reportedly considering offers for Jules Kounde and Balde this summer, securing Cancelo permanently would ensure they retain an experienced international ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Since his January arrival, Cancelo has already contributed several key assists and a goal in a 5-2 win over Sevilla, proving his attacking value remains sharp.

Negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming months as super-agent Jorge Mendes mediates between the two clubs. Al-Hilal appears ready to move on from the defender, giving Barcelona a potential advantage in driving the price down further. If a deal is struck, it would mark Cancelo’s third separate stint at the club, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the post-Xavi era under Flick’s management.

Al-Hilal Set €15 Million Asking Price for Barcelona to Secure Permanent Joao Cancelo Deal

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