Barcelona target’s situation takes new turn as Al Hilal deny rift over training absence

Barcelona target’s situation takes new turn as Al Hilal deny rift over training absence

class="wp-block-paragraph">The surrounding Joao Cancelo has taken a significant turn after Al Hilal have moved to publicly dismiss reports suggesting the Portuguese defender had refused to join the club’s pre-season training camp.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Earlier reports claimed Cancelo’s absence from the squad in Austria had created tensions between the player and the club. However, Al Hilal has now clarified that no such dispute exists.

No disciplinary action

class="wp-block-paragraph">According to Saudi outlet Al-Midan Al-Riyadi (h/t SPORT), sources within Al Hilal confirmed that Cancelo’s delayed return had been agreed in advance and that the player had received permission not to report with the rest of the squad.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">The club also denied claims that Cancelo had violated his obligations or faced disciplinary proceedings.

No rift between Cancelo and Al Hilal. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Officials explained that all international players were informed of their reporting dates through the club’s standard email communication process and that Cancelo’s schedule had been arranged with the club beforehand.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">“The rumours claiming he was absent without notice are false,” club sources stated.

Cancelo responds personally

class="wp-block-paragraph">Cancelo also addressed the speculation himself.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">The defender used his official Instagram account to react to a post discussing the alleged disciplinary issue, posting two emojis that clearly rejected the reports of a possible fine.

class="wp-block-paragraph">His response further reinforced the message that there is no conflict between himself and Al Hilal.

Barcelona talks continue

class="wp-block-paragraph">With the controversy dismissed, attention returns to Cancelo’s expected move to Barcelona.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">According to the same report, Al Hilal’s sporting department continues to work toward completing the transfer, while negotiations with the Blaugrana remain active as both clubs attempt to finalize an agreement.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Barcelona remain confident that Cancelo will eventually return to the club.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Head coach Hansi Flick considers the Portuguese international a priority signing after his successful previous spell on loan, viewing him as an important reinforcement for the left-back position.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">The remaining discussions focus primarily on the financial structure of the deal. Cancelo still has one year remaining on his contract with Al Hilal, and negotiations continue over the economic terms of his departure.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">With both the club and the player now publicly denying any disagreement, the completion of the transfer appears to depend solely on Barcelona and Al Hilal reaching a final agreement on the remaining details.