Barca seal Cancelo return to bolster defence
Barcelona have signed defender Joao Cancelo on a free transfer, the Spanish champions said Thursday. "The full-back arrives as a free agent and signs on until June 30, 2029," said Barca in a statement. Portugal international Cancelo terminated his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in order to return to Camp Nou. The 32-year-old has previously spent two loan spells with Barca, including in…
Joao Cancelo, the Portugal full-back, has signed a permanent deal with Barcelona following the termination of his contract with Al-Hilal. The 32-year-old previously left Manchester City to join the Saudi Pro League club in 2024. Cancelo spent last season on loan at Barcelona, contributing to their La Liga title win. After agreeing to leave Al-Hilal, the free agent has returned to the Camp Nou on a three-year contract.
Cancelo expressed his excitement, stating, "It's my dream, I'm where I want to be and I am very happy." The veteran player highlighted his affinity for the club and promised to give his all. Cancelo's journey with Barcelona began in 2014 when he initially joined Valencia from Benfica on loan, later spending 2017-18 on loan with Inter Milan.
He made permanent moves to Juventus (2018) and Manchester City (2019), and finished the 2022-23 season on loan at Bayern Munich. This is Cancelo's third stint with Barcelona, but his first on a permanent basis. The signing comes as Barcelona also brought in former teammate Rodri, completing the deal for about £65m, and strengthened the squad with wingers Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.
However, forward Ferran Torres left for Paris St-Germain, and veteran striker Robert Lewandowski moved to MLS side Chicago Fire.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport Football's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
