Al Hilal Open to Selling Joao Cancelo as Barcelona Watches On

João Cancelo's name has returned to the forefront of Barcelona's interests during the summer transfer window, after Spanish newspaper Sport revealed that Saudi club Al Hilal is open to selling the player, who still prioritizes a return to the Catalan team.

According to the report, coach Hansi Flick considers Cancelo a primary option to bolster the full-back positions, taking advantage of his ability to play on both the right and left sides.

The Portuguese international had a good season with Barcelona on loan, featuring in 23 matches, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

The newspaper added that Al Hilal is no longer opposed to listening to offers for Cancelo during the current transfer window, and the player himself wishes to leave the Saudi league and return to Barcelona.

The player is set to join Al Hilal's training camp in Austria under the guidance of coach Simone Inzaghi. However, his stay may be temporary due to the possibility of completing a transfer before the transfer window closes, noting that his contract with the club runs until the summer of 2027.

Sport reports that Al Hilal's openness to selling Cancelo comes after they are close to finalizing the signing of right-back Mohamed Mahzari from Al Taawoun, who is expected to be the replacement for the Portuguese international. This move could pave the way for Cancelo's return to Barcelona in the coming weeks.