Al-Hilal defender Joao Cancelo has taken a decisive step to continue his career in Europe, effectively boycotting his current club to facilitate a transfer. According to reports from Diario Sport, the 32-year-old Portuguese international has failed to join the Saudi Arabian club's pre-season training camp currently underway in Austria.
As reported by the Operative Information Center-OMM, Cancelo is currently in Portugal rather than participating in the team's preparations. Club management views this absence as a breach of disciplinary regulations, and the player now faces the prospect of significant financial penalties.
The player's agent, Jorge Mendes, is reportedly in ongoing negotiations with Barcelona. Sources indicate that the Catalan club is aiming to secure the defender for a transfer fee below 10 million euros. Cancelo spent the second half of the previous season on loan at Barcelona and has publicly expressed his desire to return to the La Liga side, making it clear that he has no intention of playing for Al-Hilal.
The transfer saga highlights the growing influence of European clubs in the global market, even as Saudi Pro League teams continue to invest heavily in international talent. Barcelona's interest in the experienced fullback underscores their strategy to reinforce their defensive line with proven, high-caliber players ahead of the new campaign.
