An outcome that had been in the works for some time

João Cancelo will continue wearing the FC Barcelona shirt, but this time his relationship with the Catalan club will be different.

The Catalan club finalized the permanent signing of the Portuguese full-back, who has signed a three-year contract until June 2029, after parting ways with Al-Hilal and becoming a free agent to complete his return.

From loan spells to a permanent deal

Cancelo knows the Barça environment perfectly well. The Portuguese international had already represented Barcelona during different spells on loan and was part of the team that won LaLiga in the 2025-26 season under Hansi Flick.

Now, his situation changes completely: he leaves his loan spells behind and becomes a permanent Barcelona player.

Cancelo made an effort to return

Before his move was finalized, Cancelo acknowledged that he gave up part of the money still owed to him by Al-Hilal to facilitate his departure and made it clear that returning to Barça was his priority.

The Portuguese defender had joined the Saudi club in 2024 after his spell with Manchester City, but his desire to return to Barcelona ultimately proved decisive in resolving his future.

Flick gets a familiar option back

Cancelo can play on either the right or left side, and his presence increases competition at full-back in a squad that continues to evolve ahead of the 2026-27 season.

With his future secured until 2029, the Portuguese international now begins another chapter in Barcelona with the opportunity to leave his loan status behind and build a long-term project with the Catalan club.