Barcelona could miss out on defensive target as Saudi giants step up interest

After a period of inactivity, Barcelona appear to have become quite attentive towards the future of Joao Cancelo.

The Portuguese international spent last season on loan at Barça and the club were interested in bringing him, as part of their plans to beef up the options in the right-back department.

However, on account of a lack of agreement with Man City, Barcelona were thought to be out in the race to sign Cancelo, until recently, when the option re-emerged.

Much to Barça’s disappointment, however, the club are simply facing too many obstacles in their bid to sign the Portuguese right-back.

Cancelo may soon move to Saudi Arabia

In yet another blow for Barcelona, it appears Joao Cancelo may end up in Saudi Arabia this summer.

Cancelo could become the next European star to move to Saudi Arabia (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

This is according to The Guardian (h/t SPORT), which suggests Al Hilal have proposed a lucrative deal for Cancelo, as the Saudi outfit desperately look for a new right-back.

Although Barcelona was an option for Cancelo, the Catalans simply do not have the economic means to sustain his high salary.

But at Al Hilal, which is also home to Brazilian superstar Neymar, Cancelo can play with his high salary and also receive regular game-time.

It is apparent that Cancelo might not continue in Europe, as options are few and far between, no thanks to his high salary demands.

A move to Saudi Arabia, therefore, could end up being a likely outcome for the Manchester City defender, as he looks to take the next step in his career.