FC Barcelona has finalized another high-profile transfer: Joao Cancelo is joining the Catalans after terminating his contract with Al-Hilal—apparently on a free transfer. This brings his chapter in the desert to a close.
Joao Cancelo had already played for FC Barcelona on loan during the second half of last season. In 16 La Liga matches and four Champions League games, the Portuguese player put in strong performances that made a permanent signing seem likely. This has now become possible because he has terminated his contract with Al-Hilal. According to Spanish media reports, the 32-year-old’s move to Barca is on a free transfer. From a financial standpoint, this is important for the Blaugrana, who have repeatedly faced issues with the Spanish league’s Financial Fair Play regulations.
Joao Cancelo moved from Manchester City to Al-Hilal in the summer of 2024. He played a total of 24 league games and five matches at the 2025 Club World Cup for the Saudi club. In January 2026, he was then loaned to Barcelona. It was no secret that the fullback wanted to stay in Catalonia. Joao Cancelo had already been on loan from Man City to Barça for one year during the 2023–24 season—now the transfer is permanent.
However, it remains unclear whether the Portuguese player will be able to take the field for the La Liga opener on Sunday evening against Elche CF (9:30 p.m.). According to reports from the local newspaper *Sport*, Joao Cancelo’s eligibility is still up in the air. The reason for this is a delay caused by unfinished paperwork related to his signing. This had already prevented the veteran’s introduction, which had originally been planned before the last friendly against Al-Ahly (2–1).
