Meknes – Barcelona have signed fullback Joao Cancelo on a free transfer through June 2029. The move marks a third spell at the club for the Portugal international.
The 32-year-old first joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester City during the 2023-24 season. He returned for a second loan stint in January, this time coming from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
The Portuguese defender has already played 65 games for the Catalan club, scoring six goals and providing nine assists.
Cancelo reportedly agreed to terminate his contract with Al-Hilal by mutual consent prior to finalizing his return to Barcelona.
Barcelona confirmed the move in an official statement on social media, saying: “João Cancelo and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement for the Portuguese footballer to join the Club,”
“The full-back arrives as a permanent transfer basis and signs as a Barça player until 30 June 2029,” they added.
A product of Benfica’s youth academy, Cancelo has built an internationally decorated career with stops at Valencia, Inter Milan, Juventus, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Al-Hilal, and Barcelona.
His impressive trophy collection includes three Premier League titles with Manchester City, a Serie A crown with Juventus in 2018-19, and a Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich in 2022-23.
Cancelo featured in Portugal’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where his side was knocked out by Spain in the round of 16.
Barcelona will aim to defend their LaLiga title under Hansi Flick.
The club has bolstered its squad significantly this summer, bringing in 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, England winger Anthony Gordon, and German forward Karim Adeyemi.
