Cancelo makes his Barcelona feelings clear

Joao Cancelo is still waiting for his future to be resolved ahead of the 2026-27 season, but the Portugal defender has dropped another huge hint about where he hopes to be playing his football in the new campaign. The 2026 World Cup participant has shared a picture of himself on Instagram in Barca colors, looking up to the skies, showing once again his clear affinity for the Catalan club.

Cancelo has returned to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal following his World Cup 2026 campaign with Portugal and is hoping a deal can be agreed for him to move to Barcelona permanently after a successful loan spell last season. "The defender's intentions are obvious," the report notes, and his latest social media post only strengthens that impression.

Al-Hilal play hardball over the fee

Local reports are claiming that Al-Hilal have changed their transfer demands and now want €15 million for Cancelo, rather than the previously reported €10m. The Saudi side are certainly playing hardball with Barcelona over a move, but Cancelo's desire to switch club seems obvious.

Left out of the opening squad

Al-Hilal have handed Cancelo a squad number for the new campaign, although it has been reported that he has been left out of the squad by manager Simone Inzaghi for tonight's opening game against Al-Faisaly. With the Saudi club raising their price and freezing the player out of the first match, the ball now appears to be in Barcelona's court as they weigh up whether to meet the inflated valuation.