Star Portuguese full-back's chances reduce to return to FC Barcelona

The Joao Cancelo Saga has been going on for quite a while now. Given the player's preference and his last loan campaign at FC Barcelona, there is no doubt that the player should continue at the Blaugrana club; however, the club's financial difficulties are holding them back. Still, the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, isn't ruling his Barcelona move out.

However, it is certain that Cancelo's Barca return isn't going to be any easier. According to recent reports, Saudi Club Al Hilal is much more willing to invest in the player as compared to other clubs. Reports suggest that João Cancelo has received an offer from Al-Hilal that would increase his salary to around €70M annually.

Joao Cancelo's chances reduce to return to FC Barcelona

Al-Hilal is willing to sign the player for €40M, which is significantly in accordance with Manchester City's demand. But what might halt the possible deal is the fact that Joao Cancelo thinks that he's still too young to play in a minor league. Thus, despite having an offer from a Saudi Arabian club, the full-back wants to return to Barcelona in the hope of winning major titles.

Currently, FC Barcelona's position in the Joao Cancelo's deal is somewhat uncertain. Though the Blaugrana club counts upon Cancelo as their main target for the full-back role, the club cannot guarantee what Al Hilal is willing to offer for the Portuguese star. FC Barcelona is still exploring a loan deal to sign Joao Cancelo, but the scenario wouldn't be as easy as last summer.

As per reports, even though the club enjoys a good relationship with the Etihad club, which has strengthened after the recent transfer of Gundogan, Man City wouldn't accept a loan deal without a purchase clause in his contract. Given the club's situation, struggling to register Dani Olmo, Barca doesn't stand as significant as Al Hilal.

Being much more concrete at the moment, Saudi giant Al Hilal stands as the current favorite for Cancelo. Though the player's preference has been a Barcelona return, a move currently looks difficult. While there has been no final decision from Cancelo yet, the player is imminently leaving City in the next few days.

Overall, even though Jorge Mendes is still trying to make a Barca move possible for Joao, things don't seem very positive for the Blaugrana club, already busy making way for Olmo's registration and possibly a left-wing reinforcement.