João Cancelo
BAR
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2026/2027 La Liga
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2026/2027 La Liga
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Signs permanently through 2029
Cancelo has signed with Barcelona on a permanent deal through June 30, 2029, from Al Hilal, the club announced.
Analysis: Cancelo first joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester City for the 2023-24 season, making 42 appearances with four goals and five assists, before a move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia and a return to Barcelona on loan this past January, where he quickly earned manager Hansi Flick's trust and made 23 appearances with two goals and four assists, mostly at left back. Cancelo is expected to compete with Alex Balde for the starting left back role now that his move is permanent, giving Flick a trusted and versatile option to continue leaning on in defense.
Expected to return to Barcelona
Cancelo is expected to return to Barcelona as a free agent from Al-Hilal and could be an option for the club as soon as Wednesday's friendly against Al Ahly, according to Barca Universal.
Analysis: Cancelo is on the verge of his highly anticipated move back to Barcelona after a summer of talks about his return, with the defender set to terminate his contract with Al-Hilal and join Barcelona again as a free agent. Despite the quick turnaround for Cancelo, he could be an option as soon as Wednesday for Barcelona if all goes to plan, likely leaving him an option for the season opener as well. He will have to compete with Alex Balde for time at left-back, leaving Barcelona with two very viable options on the left flank of the defense if the deal goes through.
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