Cancelo eyes Benfica return
João Cancelo says his Barcelona future is uncertain and that he'd be prepared to lower his salary to return to Benfica, putting his long-term spot at Barça in doubt (worldsoccertalk.com). The public comments increase the likelihood of a summer move as Barcelona weighs squad and wage flexibility (worldsoccertalk.com).
Portuguese media ran excerpts from a Canal 11 interview with Cancelo this week and Canal 11 scheduled the full segment for broadcast on April 2, 2026. ( ojogo.pt ) Cancelo is at Barcelona on loan from Al‑Hilal until the end of the season, with Barcelona understood to want a permanent deal but facing contractual and financial obstacles. ( goal.com ) Reports from Spain and Catalonia put Al‑Hilal’s asking price for a permanent transfer at roughly €15m, while other outlets give a €10–15m range as the likely figure Barcelona would need to cover. ( onefootball.com semprebarca.com ) Inside Barcelona, Hansi Flick and club sources have signalled satisfaction with Cancelo’s impact but stressed that any summer decision will depend on squad planning and freeing wage room. ( football-espana.net ) Portuguese analyses note Benfica would have to reconcile Cancelo’s recent Saudi wages and a transfer fee with the club’s budget constraints, making a permanent move contingent on both sporting and financial balancing. ( theportugalpost.com ) All parties—Barcelona, Al‑Hilal and Benfica—are expected to revisit the situation at the end of the season, with a definitive decision most likely to emerge during the summer transfer window. ( mundodeportivo.com )
