BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 19: Rodri and Joao Cancelo of FC Barcelona look on during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Al Ahly SC at Spotify Camp Nou on August 19, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Barcelona have announced that defender Joao Cancelo has completed a free transfer to the club from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
It’s the third time that Cancelo has joined the Catalan giants, after two successful loan spells, but this time he’s on a permanent contract until 2029.
Here’s the club’s official statement:
“Agreement reached between João Cancelo and FC Barcelona for the Portuguese player to join. The fullback arrives as a free agent and signs a contract up to 30 June 2029.”
Cancelo has already spoken about the move, revealing he sacrificed part of his salary in order to terminate his contract with Al-Hilal to join Barcelona.
““I’m very happy, I’m very pleased to be here, I’m where I want to be. I trained separately for a week. I told Deco that either I came here or I’d spend a year there without playing, still getting paid,” he said.
“I gave up part of my salary, but it was either sign for Barça or nothing. It’s a very special club, I’m here to help and I hope to win many titles. We’re building a great team.”
The Portugal star is expected to start the season as Hansi Flick’s first choice at left-back, with Alejandro Balde set to provide competition to the 32-year-old.
Welcome back to Barcelona, Joao Cancelo!