Barcelona have reached a full agreement with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal to bring João Cancelo back to Camp Nou on a six-month loan deal, according to trusted transfer sources. The move marks a return for João Cancelo, who previously spent the 2023–24 season on loan with the Catalan club and remains a familiar face within the squad.
Barcelona moved quickly after submitting an official offer earlier in the day, and negotiations progressed rapidly. João Cancelo’s personal preference to return to Barcelona played a crucial role in finalizing the agreement. Although Al Hilal had initially reached an understanding with Inter Milan, the Saudi club ultimately accepted Barcelona’s proposal due to João Cancelo’s desire to return to Catalonia.
The loan deal has been made possible by salary cap space created following Andreas Christensen’s long-term injury. Barcelona will use that flexibility to register João Cancelo, who adds much-needed defensive depth ahead of a demanding second half of the season. Head coach Hansi Flick has approved the move and views João Cancelo as an ideal reinforcement given the club’s current limitations in the January transfer window.
Transfer Details :
- Player : João Cancelo
- Age: 31
- Nationality: Portugal
- Current Club: Al Hilal
- Joining Club: FC Barcelona
- Transfer Type: Loan
- Loan Duration: 6 months
- Previous Barça Season: 2023–24
- Position: Right-back / Left-back
- Coach Approval: Hansi Flick
- Contract with Al Hilal: Until 2027
Hansi Flick values João Cancelo for his experience at the highest level, his tactical intelligence, and his versatility. João Cancelo is capable of playing on both the right and left sides of defense and can also push forward when required. With central defensive options limited, Flick understood that signing a traditional center-back was unlikely, making João Cancelo a practical and high-quality solution.
João Cancelo previously joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester City during the 2023–24 campaign, where he made 42 appearances across all competitions and scored four goals. His performances showcased his attacking output, technical ability, and adaptability within Barcelona’s system. Following that season, João Cancelo completed a permanent move to Al Hilal in the summer of 2024 on a contract running until 2027.
Despite his move to Saudi Arabia, João Cancelo has remained open to a return to European football. Barcelona explored the possibility of a January reunion earlier this month, holding talks with Al Hilal and João Cancelo’s representatives. Financial structure was the primary focus, with Barcelona preferring a short-term loan while covering part of João Cancelo’s salary.
Barcelona’s defensive situation has been stretched in recent weeks. Andreas Christensen is expected to miss several months with an ACL injury, while Ronald Araújo has been absent since November after taking a mental health break. As a result, teenager Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín have been used as the primary center-back pairing.
The arrival of João Cancelo would ease that pressure by strengthening the full-back positions. It could also allow Jules Koundé to return to central defense, a role he has repeatedly stated is his preferred position. João Cancelo’s ability to operate on either flank provides Flick with greater tactical flexibility as Barcelona pursue success in domestic and European competitions.
With only the official announcement remaining, João Cancelo is set to reunite with Barcelona once again, bringing experience, depth, and proven quality to a squad aiming for a strong finish to the season.
FAQs:
Q1: Why is João Cancelo returning to Barcelona?
João Cancelo is returning because Barcelona needed defensive reinforcements, and the player personally preferred a move back to the club where he previously enjoyed a successful loan spell.
Q2: How long is João Cancelo’s loan deal?
João Cancelo will join Barcelona on a six-month loan from Al Hilal, covering the remainder of the season.
Q3: What role will João Cancelo play at Barcelona?
João Cancelo will provide depth at full-back on both sides and offer tactical flexibility, potentially allowing other defenders to shift positions.
Q4: Why didn’t Barcelona sign a center-back instead?
Financial constraints and market limitations made a center-back signing difficult, making João Cancelo a more viable and versatile option.
Q5: Has João Cancelo played for Barcelona before?
Yes, João Cancelo spent the 2023–24 season on loan at Barcelona, making 42 appearances in all competitions.
