Barcelona are set to bring Joao Cancelo back to the Camp Nou for a second stint after agreeing a loan deal with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for the Portugal star.
The move is something of a surprise, as a center-back had appeared to be a priority after Andreas Christensen’s injury, but does add another defensive option to Hansi Flick’s squad.
So why have Barcelona gone for Cancelo again? The Catalan press has several theories about the transfer and all are in agreement that Cancelo’s strong desire
to play for Barca again was key to the deal going through.
Mundo Deportivo and Diario Sport both highlight how Barca “urgently” needed a new defender in January, particularly after seeing Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin deployed in central defence at times this season.
Cancelo’s arrival – and ability to play in either full-back positions – means Martin can continue in the heart of the backline and also frees up Jules Kounde to become an option at center-back again for Flick.
The Portugal international’s experience and willingness to take a pay cut are also cited as reasons why Barca have gone for Cancelo again as well as a lack of other quality options in the winter market.
Let’s not forget Cancelo has always made it clear just how much he loves Barca. He even enjoyed been booed by Real Madrid fans while playing for Al-Hilal at the Club World Cup last summer.
“I’m a Barca fan, it’s normal. I love Barca. I loved my time in Barca. I love the group at Barca. But now I’m at Al-Hilal and I’m very happy here,” he told reporters.
Diario Sport also explain why Cancelo wants out of Al-Hilal. The defender has had a tough time in Saudi Arabia due to injuries and a strained relationship with Simone Inzaghi.
The report also claims that legislation has been a factor, with Saudi clubs able to register 10 foreign players but only able to name eight in match-day squads. Of those eight, only two are allowed to be over the age of 22.
Cancelo has therefore lost prominence at the club and, with World Cup 2026 now just six months away, has been eager to move on in search of regular minutes.
