FC Barcelona have all but confirmed the signing of Joao Cancelo from Al Hilal, announcing that the Portuguese defender has successfully passed his medicals.
The Blaugrana also stated that his signing would be made official on Tuesday before his formal presentation as a new arrival.
“Joao Cancelo arrived in Barcelona at lunchtime on Monday,” the statement started.
“The Portuguese full-back, still an Al Hilal Saudi FC player, passed the relevant medical and physical tests at Barcelona Hospital with the signing to make him a Blaugrana to come on Tuesday.”
𝐉𝐨𝐚̃𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐨 ya está en Barcelona y ha superado las pruebas médicas. Este martes, firma oficial ✅
🔗 Los detalles: https://t.co/EXPZ6qQ7u4 pic.twitter.com/gIZuVCn7Ku
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) January 12, 2026
Cancelo will join Barcelona on loan for the remainder of the season, with the Catalans covering around €5 million in his salary.
The 31-year-old right-back already knows the club, having spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Barça from Manchester City.
Ever since, Cancelo has been keen on a return and waited until late in the summer before signing for Al Hilal, after it became clear that a move to Barcelona would not be possible.
The Portuguese international had an offer from Inter Milan this month, but held firm on his desire to return to Barça, with his wish now coming true.