Joao Cancelo’s move to Barcelona has hit another snag. Al-Hilal have listed the Portuguese full-back in their squad for the 2026/27 season, assigning him the No.20 shirt, even as the Catalan club inch toward finalising his transfer.
According to SPORT, the Saudi side gave Cancelo that same number during his first stint with the club — it also doubles as his Portugal national team shirt. Barca Universal reported that the registration does not automatically mean he stays in Riyadh. Barcelona are still pressing ahead with a deal understood to be worth around €10 million.
Deal Structure and What Is Holding It Up
The agreement between Barcelona and Al-Hilal is described as practically complete. Cancelo himself has signed off on personal terms since the end of last season. What has slowed the process are fiscal and financial formalities rather than any breakdown in negotiations, turning a straightforward purchase into a drawn-out saga for the Blaugrana.
Sporting director Deco is keen to close the deal. Manager Hansi Flick has also made clear he wants Cancelo in his squad, having seen the defender make 23 appearances during his loan spell last term, scoring twice and contributing three assists while deputising regularly as Alejandro Balde dealt with muscular issues.
Al-Hilal’s Position and Their Replacement Signing
The squad-number move looks procedural. Al-Hilal have already brought in Mohammed Mahzari, a full-back operating in the same position as Cancelo, which points to the club preparing for his departure. Their primary objective, per Barca Universal, is to recover the fee they paid when signing Cancelo from Manchester City, hence the €10 million asking price Barcelona are willing to meet.
Cancelo is currently back training with Al-Hilal while the paperwork is sorted. Barcelona Face Captaincy Reshuffle With Two Armband Spots to Fill
Flick’s Case for a Permanent Signing
The logic behind Barcelona’s pursuit is straightforward. Cancelo already knows Flick’s system, can operate on either flank, and proved his value during the second half of last season. His performances under the German coach were enough to convince the club that a permanent arrangement made sense.
Nothing is official yet. Until the financial details are resolved and documentation is complete, Cancelo formally remains an Al-Hilal player, squad number and all.
