João Cancelo criticises Al Hilal after Barcelona LaLiga win, future still unresolved
After helping Barcelona win the 2025–26 LaLiga title, João Cancelo criticised Al Hilal for failing to register him in Saudi Arabia and remains under contract there until 2027
João Cancelo criticised Al Hilal amid Barcelona's celebrations after the 2025–26 LaLiga title, saying the Saudi club had told him he would be registered for the domestic league but ultimately did not. The Portuguese full-back, who has emerged as a starter under Hansi Flick, remains under contract to Al Hilal until 2027, according to the report, leaving his long-term future unresolved.
Why it matters
Cancelo's situation matters for Barcelona, Al Hilal and Portugal. Barcelona have benefited from his form this season as a starter in their title campaign, but his arrival was a loan until season's end and his permanence is not guaranteed. Al Hilal's decision not to register him for the Saudi league — and the club reportedly valuing him at €15m — creates a contractual and transfer complication. For Portugal, Cancelo's ongoing strong form could influence selection choices ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but his uncertain club status may affect where he plays next.
What Cancelo said and the immediate fallout
Speaking during Barcelona's title celebrations and quoted via DAZN, Cancelo said Al Hilal "did not tell me the truth." He claimed the club had assured him he would be registered for the Saudi league list but that did not happen when it mattered. The player added that, despite being left with a poor image by that episode, he would keep his word and held no grudges.
Contract and transfer details reported
The source reports Cancelo remains under contract at Al Hilal until 2027. It also says Al Hilal are not willing to release him as a free agent and are reportedly demanding €15 million for his transfer. The article notes Barcelona are reportedly reluctant to pay that fee and that Cancelo arrived on loan until the end of the season.
Player form, role at Barcelona and international implications
According to the report, Hansi Flick has helped Cancelo rediscover his best form, with the defender establishing himself as Barcelona's starting left-back thanks to his versatility and vision. The article suggests Barcelona may consider a permanent move only if Cancelo were to become a free agent. It also says Cancelo has suggested he would be willing to lower his salary for a move to SL Benfica.
On the international front, the source notes that Cancelo's club uncertainty could carry into the 2026 World Cup. Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has used Nuno Mendes and Diogo Dalot in qualifying, but the report suggests Cancelo could be deployed at right-back if his form continues, potentially attracting further club interest.
Key points
What happens next
Based on the report, the next steps hinge on Al Hilal's stance and whether Barcelona or another club will meet the reported €15m asking price — or whether Al Hilal will allow him to leave as a free agent before his contract ends in 2027. Cancelo's comments suggest he would consider returning and reintegrating at Al Hilal if the club resolves its foreign-player registration issues, but no official confirmations from the clubs were provided in the source.