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SportsCancelo absent from Al-Hilal training camp, awaits Barcelona transfer
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João Cancelo has failed to report to Al-Hilal's preseason training camp in Austria, as he continues to push for a transfer to Barcelona. The Portuguese full-back, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona and impressed coach Hansi Flick, has one year remaining on his contract with the Saudi club. Al-Hilal has reportedly agreed to facilitate his departure, lowering their initial asking price to around €10 million. Negotiations between the clubs are progressing rapidly. Cancelo's absence is not seen as a pressure tactic, though it may accelerate the process. Flick, who deployed Cancelo primarily at left-back last season, believes the transfer is the right decision for Barcelona, where full-back was previously considered a weak spot. Cancelo has played 65 official matches for Barcelona, scoring 6 goals and providing 9 assists.
Source report
Hupu Football News | July 29 — 7 minutes ago
According to Daily Sport, João Cancelo was originally scheduled to end his vacation this Wednesday, travel to Austria to join Al-Hilal, and resume training. However, as of now, he has not appeared in the team's preseason camp. In contrast, his Portuguese national teammate Rúben Neves returned on time and has already completed his medical examination.
Saudi Media Reports
Saudi outlet Al-Riyadiya previously reported that Al-Hilal required their Portuguese internationals to return to the team this Wednesday. On Tuesday evening local time, the club welcomed Rúben Neves back at their training camp in Austria. On Wednesday noon, Al-Hilal posted on social media, confirming that Neves and new signing, Saudi international Mohammed Al-Mazari, had undergone medical examinations together. However, the club has yet to release any news regarding Cancelo.
Transfer Situation
As Cancelo misses the training camp, he is still waiting for his transfer to Barcelona to be resolved. Last season, Cancelo played for Barcelona on loan and performed excellently, and he has consistently expressed a strong desire to return to the club. If this transfer is ultimately completed, it will be the third time Cancelo plays for Barcelona in his career.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is very satisfied with Cancelo's performance last season. Although the Portuguese player's usual position is right-back, Flick deployed him mostly at left-back. There were many doubts from outside about Barcelona bringing Cancelo back again, but the German coach believes that the sports management's push for his return is a completely correct decision.
Contract and Transfer Details
- Cancelo's contract with Al-Hilal has one year remaining.
- Al-Riyadiya previously reported that the Saudi club has listened to the player's request to leave and will not set obstacles for his transfer.
- At this stage, Cancelo's absence from training should not be interpreted as him putting pressure on the club, unless the player himself intends to accelerate the transfer process through this method.
- Cancelo is currently very close to joining Barcelona, with negotiations between the two sides progressing rapidly.
- The transfer fee is expected to be around €10 million, and Al-Hilal has lowered their initial asking price.
- Since Cancelo has entered the final year of his contract, he is likely to leave Al-Hilal at a relatively reasonable price.
Career at Barcelona
Cancelo has previously played 65 official matches for Barcelona, contributing 6 goals and 9 assists. Flick hopes he can return again and be capable of playing both left and right-back positions. Before Cancelo's return last season, full-back was once considered a weak spot in Barcelona's squad.
Source: Daily Sport
Source
虎扑 - 足球Neutral / independent
Part of this Story
João Cancelo Nears Permanent Barcelona Transfer After Al-Hilal Agreement