FC Barcelona has informed defender Joao Cancelo that the club wants to keep him for the 2026 season [1].
The situation is significant because Cancelo is on the verge of becoming the first player to win five major European leagues [3]. This historic achievement would include titles from the Premier League, Serie A, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga [3].
Despite the club's desire to retain the Portuguese right-back, his contractual status complicates a permanent stay. Cancelo is owned by the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, meaning any long-term arrangement depends on successful negotiations between the two organizations [3, 4].
Club officials and coaching staff have expressed their support for the player. Deco, the sporting director for Barcelona, said the club has already told Cancelo that they count on him [1]. Coach Hansi Flick said he approves of the player's continuity [3].
Cancelo has acknowledged the complexity of his current employment. "I have a contract with Al-Hilal, but there are always options to continue at Barça," Cancelo said in April 2026 [4].
Reports on the certainty of his future vary. Some sources suggest the Catalan side will soon confirm his stay as they pursue the league title [2]. However, other reports indicate that his future is not clear and remains dependent on the financial and contractual terms agreed upon with Al-Hilal [3].
“"I have a contract with Al-Hilal, but there are always options to continue at Barça."”
The tension between Barcelona's sporting desire to keep Cancelo and Al-Hilal's contractual ownership reflects the growing influence of Saudi Arabian capital in European football. While the player's pursuit of a unique five-league title record provides a strong sporting incentive for Barcelona, the final decision rests on a financial negotiation that could determine if the player reaches this milestone in Spain or returns to the Saudi Pro League.
