At least as far as a return to FC Barcelona is concerned, the situation has become complicated for Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese full-back is still open to a return to FC Barcelona, ​​but Manchester City have other plans and it is likely that he will sign for a team in the Saudi Pro League before August 30.

According to English media An agreement has already been reached between the Manchester team’s board and Al-Hilal for his services in an operation that would cost around 35 million euros. This figure would have made Pep Guardiola’s team happy to let the Portuguese full-back go. Although the player is not yet convinced to go to Saudi Arabia, everything seems to indicate that he will follow the transfers of players like Neymar Jr. or Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cancelo will say goodbye to Barcelona

Although the Barça board has apparently already said goodbye to him by deleting his photo and name from the official website, Cancelo seems to still be sticking to his desire to return. The Catalan club’s financial difficulties make his signing impossibledue to the high salary the player receives. Not to mention that they have not yet achieved the 1:1 Financial Fair Play and have other priorities, such as facilitating the registration of Dani Olmo.

The Saudi Arabian team sees the Portuguese as the perfect replacement for its regular defender Saud Abdulhamidwho is about to take the next step in his career by signing with AS Roma. This transfer is practically certain according to Fabrizio Romano. The footballer will arrive in Italy this Monday and once the operation is completed, the directors will speak again with City to try to finalize the agreement.

At the moment, The player can no longer escape his fate, as the English team refuses to accept a loan without an option to buy. It’s sale or nothing, so he has to find a new club willing to sign him in the next few hours or he has to leave for Arab countries this week.

The Catalans must find a solution for the right side of defence

For your part, The board of the Blaugrana club must look for another option for the right-back position after the injury of Andreas Christensenwho has suffered an Achilles tendon injury and will be out for at least a month. Jules Koundé could take the position, but only temporarily, as he doesn’t usually shine on the field there. With Cancelo already out, Marc Pubill is their other low-cost option, so Hansi Flick will have to meet with Deco and Co. to make a decision before August 30.