ع
The Qatar News Agency reported that reigning Spanish La Liga champions Barcelona secured Portuguese international Joao Cancelo from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal on a permanent basis after the player agreed to terminate his contract with the club. In a statement, Barcelona confirmed that the 32-year-old has joined the first team under a three-season agreement that runs until June 30, 2029. The move brings the versatile full-back back to the club where he has previously thrived during loan periods.
According to ESPN, the permanent transfer became feasible after Cancelo reached an agreement on early contract termination with Al Hilal over the weekend. Sports Illustrated reported that the defender accepted a reduction in his salary to facilitate the return to Catalonia, where he had expressed a strong desire to play again. The signing follows his most recent loan from Al Hilal in the first half of 2026, during which he contributed to the team’s La Liga title success.
Career statistics show that Cancelo recorded 32 appearances and scored two goals in all competitions during his 2023-24 loan spell from Manchester City. He added 16 appearances and two more goals in the recent loan from Al Hilal earlier this year, performance data indicates. The Portuguese international’s ability to operate on either flank has made him a consistent tactical option under manager Hansi Flick.
The Qatar News Agency noted that Cancelo previously played for Inter Milan in the 2017-18 season and Juventus the following year before joining Manchester City in 2019. His time at City included loan spells at Bayern Munich and his first stint with Barcelona prior to the 2024 move to Al Hilal, which saw him feature in the Saudi Pro League. The defender accumulated extensive top-level experience across these clubs before the latest chapter in his career.
Cancelo said, “I’m here to help and I hope to win many titles. We’re building a great team.” The player has made more than 560 career appearances across his professional journey, according to compiled transfer records. Barcelona views the addition as a key step in maintaining defensive depth amid ongoing squad adjustments.
ESPN reports have highlighted Barcelona’s active summer in the transfer market, including midfield reinforcements such as the impending arrival of Rodri that complement defensive returns like Cancelo. The full-back’s prior contributions helped stabilize the backline during challenging periods, and his permanent status is expected to provide continuity. This agreement underscores the club’s strategy to blend experienced returns with new talent ahead of the upcoming domestic and European campaigns.
