La Liga giants Barcelona have been forced to delay the official unveiling of João Cancelo as the club’s latest signing.
This comes owing to a minor issue with Saudi outfit Al-Hilal.
Defender Cancelo has for his part taken his place centre stage in the headlines across Catalunya’s capital over the course of the last 24 hours.
After the Portuguese first successfully passed his medical to secure a return to Barcelona, his signing then appeared to have been confirmed.
🚨💙❤️ OFFICIAL: João Cancelo, back to Barcelona as exclusive story is now confirmed.
€4m salary coverage to Al Hilal, loan until June. pic.twitter.com/YboEDl4MIP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 13, 2026
As alluded to above, however, on Tuesday afternoon, the former Manchester City man has seen his presentation in front of the media postponed.
And an insight into the reasons for as much have since come to the fore.
The info comes courtesy of journalist Alfredo Martinez, who has revealed that:
‘It seems a document required by Al Hilal is missing, which should arrive shortly, but the rest—figures and agreement—is fully in place. The signing is not in jeopardy.’
Al parecer falta un papel que exige el Al Hilal y que debería llegar en breve pero el resto, cifras y acuerdo es total. El fichaje no peligra
— Alfredo Martínez (@Alfremartinezz) January 13, 2026
Conor Laird – GSFN