JoÃo Cancelo is set to rejoin FC Barcelona on a loan deal from Al-Hilal until the end of the 2025-26 season, marking his second stint with the Catalan giants.
The 31-year-old Portuguese full-back, who previously spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan from Manchester City (where he made 42 appearances, scored 4 goals, and provided 5 assists), has completed his medical in Barcelona on January 12, 2026, and is expected to be officially presented on January 13.
Cancelo has played against Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Premier League and has also been Ronaldo's teammate with Portugal. He joined Barcelona on the day when Al Hilal beat Ronaldo's Al Nassr 3-1 to extend lead at the top of Saudi Pro League points table.
This move comes as a response to defensive
needs under manager Hansi Flick. Andreas Christensen's long-term knee injury (partial ACL tear) triggered La Liga's long-term injury exception rule, allowing Barcelona to register a replacement using 80% of the injured player's salary space. While Flick initially sought a center-back, the market offered limited affordable options. Cancelo emerged as a versatile solution, capable of playing right-back, left-back, or even advancing further forward.
Barcelona agreed to a loan with Al-Hilal, reportedly including a €4 million loan fee, with Cancelo taking a pay cut to facilitate the transfer-driven by his known affection for the club. He reportedly turned down interest from Inter Milan to prioritize a return to the Camp Nou.
The deal highlights Cancelo's desire for European football and competitive minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Sporting director Deco praised the signing as one that "improves the team's quality," providing Flick with more options at full-back, potentially freeing Jules Kounde to shift centrally and reducing Eric GarcÍa's occasional outings in defense.
After an underwhelming permanent transfer pursuit in summer 2024, this short-term reunion is low-risk and high-reward. Cancelo could make his second debut soon, possibly in the Copa del Rey or La Liga against Real Sociedad. Fans hope his attacking flair and experience help sustain Barcelona's strong form at the top of La Liga.
