Joao Cancelo non-committal on Barcelona future amid permanent move talks
Joao Cancelo has refused to commit his future to Barcelona, stating only that "there are always options" as the Catalan club consider making his loan move permanent. The 31-year-old defender, who is on a season-long loan from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, addressed his situation ahead of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid. Barcelona do not hold a purchase option in the loan agreement, and according to reports from Catalonia, Al-Hilal are demanding a fee of €15 million for a permanent transfer, a figure Barcelona are currently unwilling to meet.
Speaking to the media, Cancelo acknowledged the uncertainty. "I have a contract with Al-Hilal. I am an Al-Hilal player, who is on loan at Barcelona," he said. "But there are always options. Football can change in a moment, we'll see what happens." The Portuguese international hinted at a personal desire to stay, referencing early-season doubts about his form. "At the start, they weren't having these conversations, they were having doubts, saying I was finished, and here we are."
The veteran full-back is in his second consecutive loan spell at the Camp Nou, having initially joined from Manchester City in 2023 before moving permanently to Al-Hilal last summer and immediately returning to Barcelona on loan. His first season ended with some criticism over defensive inconsistencies, but he has regained a key role under manager Hansi Flick. Cancelo described the German's style as a "high press, controlling the game, taking a lot of risks," a philosophy he says he identifies with strongly.
The financial aspect remains the significant hurdle. Barcelona's well-documented economic constraints mean they are reportedly only willing to proceed with a deal for Cancelo on a free transfer, a scenario that appears unlikely given Al-Hilal's stance. Cancelo's comments suggest he is keen to extend his stay in La Liga, prioritizing Barcelona's ongoing season. "I know what I want for next season. I want to help Barca stay in this competition and win La Liga. That's the most important thing. My future isn't relevant right now," he stated.
His immediate focus is on the European tie with Atletico Madrid, the fifth meeting between the sides this season. Cancelo emphasized the need to control an "aggressive" opponent. The match also marks a return for his close friend and teammate Gavi, whom Cancelo described as "the soul of the team" after a long injury absence. The defender's future will likely become a clearer point of negotiation once Barcelona's campaign concludes, with the club needing to balance their ambitions with financial reality. For now, Cancelo remains a pivotal, if temporary, part of Flick's plans as they chase silverware on two fronts.
