Fabrizio Romano stated that Al-Hilal are open to letting Joao Cancelo leave the club on loan in the January transfer window due to Saudi Pro League rules regarding squad registration. There is interest in the player on a loan deal, but Cancelo is on a huge salary at Al-Hilal and the salary would be a significant topic.

The Spanish newspaper Sport reports that coach Simone Inzaghi is not including Joao Cancelo in the list of players usable from January, which prevents him from playing for the rest of the season. Cancelo has not made his debut this year and is not part of the club's technical plans. He is trying to return to Europe with the objective of being in top form for the World Cup. His agent, Jorge Mendes, is working to find a new team for him, and Al Hilal is available to cover a portion of his salary in the event of a loan. Clubs from the Premier League and some large Portuguese clubs are monitoring the situation, while the Barcelona option remains a possibility. According to the Saudi press, the decision is now final, and Cancelo will not play for Al Hilal this season.

Joao Cancelo is speculated to return to the Premier League after his stint in Arabia with Al-Hilal.