Barcelona secure João Cancelo on season-long loan

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FC Barcelona have confirmed the return of João Cancelo on a loan deal until the end of the season, with the Portuguese defender rejoining the club following an agreement with Al-Hilal Riyadh.

The move strengthens Barcelona’s defensive options as they enter the decisive phase of the campaign.

FC Barcelona have officially announced the signing of João Cancelo on loan from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal Riyadh until the conclusion of the current season.

The agreement will see the Portuguese international remain at the club until June, with Barcelona paying a reported €4 million loan fee.

Cancelo, who will wear the number 2 shirt, was formally unveiled at the club’s offices in Barcelona on Tuesday. The signing was overseen by club president Joan Laporta, senior board members, sporting director Deco, and members of the player’s family.

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Club Statement:

João Cancelo once again dons the Barcelona jersey. FC Barcelona has reached an agreement with Saudi club Al-Hilal Riyadh for the Portuguese full-back to join on loan until the end of this season, and he will wear the number 2 shirt next season.

The signing ceremony took place this Tuesday at Barcelona’s club offices, attended by club president Joan Laporta, first vice-president Àngel Rangel, board member Rafael Yuste, sporting director Anderson Luiz de Souza (Deco), and the player’s family members.

The Portuguese defender previously had a brief stint with Barcelona during the 2023/24 season, joining the club on loan from Manchester City. During that campaign, Cancelo delivered impressive performances, making 42 appearances (32 in La Liga and 10 in the Champions League), scoring 4 goals (2 in La Liga and 2 in the Champions League) and providing 5 assists (4 in La Liga and 1 in the Champions League).

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After his loan expired on June 30, 2024, Cancelo transferred permanently to Al-Hilal Riyadh, his current parent club. Over the past one and a half seasons with Al-Hilal, he has made a total of 45 appearances.

Even before his initial arrival at Barcelona, the right-back had already established himself among football’s elite. Born in Barreiro, Cancelo was recruited at a young age by Benfica, the club near his hometown. During his time at Benfica, he won the Primeira Liga title, Taça de Portugal, Taça da Liga, and Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira.

La Liga side Valencia recognized his potential and signed him; in his first three seasons in Spanish football, this acquisition proved highly successful. He later moved to Serie A, playing for both Inter Milan and Juventus, where his performances reached new heights. In the summer of 2019, he officially joined Manchester City, spending three and a half seasons at the Etihad Stadium, during which he also had short loan spells at Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

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Photo: ANP via Getty Images

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