Barcelona make Joao Cancelo permanent from Al Hilal through 2029
The Portugal defender returns on a free transfer after his Al Hilal contract was ended by mutual consent.
Barcelona have completed the permanent transfer of Joao Cancelo from Al Hilal and signed the Portugal fullback to a three-year contract through June 30, 2029. It is Cancelo's third spell with the Catalan club, but his first on a permanent basis. He previously played for Barcelona on loan from Manchester City in the 2023/2024 season, then returned on loan from Al Hilal in January 2026. BBC Sport reported that Cancelo came back after his Al Hilal contract was terminated by mutual consent, leaving him available on a free transfer. In the second half of last season, he made 23 appearances with two goals and four assists for Hansi Flick's side.