Joao Cancelo opens door to Benfica return as Barcelona future remains uncertain
Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo has opened the door to a potential return to his boyhood club, Benfica, this summer, casting doubt on his future at the Camp Nou. The 31-year-old, currently on loan at Barcelona from Al-Hilal, expressed a strong desire to one day play for the Portuguese giants again.
Speaking to the media while on international duty with Portugal, Cancelo was asked about the possibility of a return to Benfica, where he began his youth career. "I've already earned more than I expected, but playing for Benfica is like playing basketball, it's for the love of it," Cancelo told Canal 11, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. "I'm going to take a pay cut.
His future at Barcelona, where he is currently on his second consecutive loan spell, is also unresolved. The Catalan club are reportedly interested in making his move from Al-Hilal permanent, but only on a free transfer. According to reports, the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal would demand a fee of €15 million for the full-back, a figure Barcelona are not willing to pay.
Despite the uncertainty, Cancelo has performed well for Barcelona this season, registering two goals and six assists in 18 appearances, and has been a key player under manager Hansi Flick. However, the club is reportedly exploring alternatives, including Bayer Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo and Juventus' Andrea Cambiaso, should a deal for Cancelo prove impossible.
With Barcelona's financial constraints and Al-Hilal's valuation, a permanent move to the Camp Nou appears complex. This has left the door ajar for a potential emotional return to Benfica for the Portuguese international, who is under contract with Al-Hilal until 2027.
