Cancelo Returned to Al-Hilal. He’S Already Out of the Squad

João Cancelo is back training with Al-Hilal, but he has already been left out of the squad for their opening league game against Al-Faisaly. All of this while his return to Barcelona is still waiting for the final paperwork to be completed.

Mundo Deportivo reports that the official explanation is his late return to pre-season and lack of preparation. Saudi sources cited by Goal go further, claiming Simone Inzaghi does not currently see Cancelo as part of his competitive plans and believes he is not physically ready to play.

Meanwhile, Barcelona continue to wait. SER Catalunya reported today that the deal is close and only bureaucratic issues remain. Cancelo has therefore managed to find himself in a rather special situation: back at a club that does not really want to use him, while waiting for another club that wants him but has not quite finished the paperwork.

Barcelona, Cancelo and bureaucracy. At this point it is less of a transfer story and more of a recurring series.