Fiscal Bureaucracy Stalls Joao Cancelo Transfer to Barcelona from Saudi Arabia
Joao Cancelo has returned to Al-Hilal training despite an impending move to La Liga. Complex tax regulations and administrative hurdles are currently delaying the finalization of his eight to ten million euro transfer to Barcelona.
Key takeaways
- Joao Cancelo has returned to Al-Hilal training in Riyadh while waiting for his Barcelona transfer to be processed.
- Tax-related bureaucratic hurdles are the primary cause for the delay in finalizing the move to Spain.
- Barcelona and Al-Hilal have reportedly agreed on a transfer fee ranging from 8 million to 10 million euros.
Bureaucratic Hurdles Block Finalization
Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo reported for duty at the Al-Majidiya Sports Centre in Riyadh this Friday, rejoining Al-Hilal after his post-2026 World Cup hiatus. While he missed the club's recent training camp in Austria, his presence in the Saudi capital coincides with stalled negotiations regarding his move to Barcelona. Reports from Mundo Deportivo indicate that specific tax complications and bureaucratic formalities must be resolved before the 32-year-old can complete his return to Spain.
Contract Details and Financial Terms
Once legal officials clear the current administrative obstacles, Cancelo expects to sign a contract with Barcelona running through 2028. The deal involves a permanent transfer fee estimated between eight million and ten million euros. This move would solidify his place in the squad after a successful loan spell during the latter half of the previous season, where he earned the confidence of head coach Hansi Flick.
Background
Cancelo’s tenure in the Saudi Pro League began in the summer of 2024 following a transfer from Manchester City. Although he performed well during his inaugural season, his standing at Al-Hilal shifted significantly during the subsequent campaign. His exclusion from the club's domestic squad list signaled the beginning of his transition back to European football, leading to the current negotiation phase with the Catalan giants.
Key Facts
- Joao Cancelo is currently training in Riyadh while his transfer status remains in limbo.
- The proposed Barcelona contract spans two years, ending in 2028.
- The transfer fee is valued between eight million and ten million euros.
- Tax issues are cited as the primary reason for the current delay in the announcement.
- Head coach Hansi Flick has approved the signing following Cancelo's previous loan stint at the club.
Source: OneFootball
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