Al-Hilal Rejects Contract Termination for João Cancelo; Direct Negotiations With Barcelona to Continue

Al-Hilal management clarifies its stance on João Cancelo, rejecting a contract termination while remaining open to direct transfer negotiations with Barcelona.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 4:00 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

A Stalemate in Permanent Transfer Talks

The future of Portuguese defender João Cancelo remains a primary focus for both Barcelona and Al-Hilal as the summer transfer window approaches. Following a period of assessment, Barcelona has communicated its financial expectations to the Saudi Pro League giants, signaling a willingness to part with the player for a fee in the region of 15 million euros. However, the proposal has met with resistance from Al-Hilal’s management, who have clarified that they will not entertain a simple termination of the current contractual arrangement. The Saudi club has emphasized that any resolution must be reached through high-level, direct negotiations between the two executive boards.

Al-Hilal’s Commitment to Official Frameworks

In a formal response to the Catalan club, Al-Hilal clarified that their sporting and financial strategy relies on structured agreements. The Riyadh-based club has rejected the idea of "outside-the-box" solutions or unilateral contract terminations, asserting that the integrity of the initial agreement must be respected. This stance is seen as a strategic move to ensure that Al-Hilal receives fair market value for a player who remains a significant part of their long-term project. The management has expressed its readiness to engage in further talks, provided they occur within a traditional transfer framework.

Cancelo’s Recent Journey to Catalonia

João Cancelo’s current stint with Barcelona began during the 2026 winter transfer window, following a comprehensive agreement that saw the player return to La Liga to bolster Xavi’s defensive options. Since his arrival, Cancelo has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup, prompting the Spanish club to pursue a permanent deal. While Barcelona’s 15-million-euro valuation is intended to bridge the gap between the player’s desire to stay in Europe and Al-Hilal’s investment, the Saudi side appears to be holding out for a more lucrative package or a structure that better reflects the player’s current utility.