Joao Cancelo completes permanent Barcelona transfer after Al-Hilal exit

Joao Cancelo has rejoined Barcelona on a permanent three-year contract at the Camp Nou this summer after his contract with Al-Hilal was mutually terminated. The 32-year-old became a free agent following the agreement to end his time in Saudi Arabia.

Cancelo left Manchester City to join Al-Hilal on a three-year deal in 2024 before spending the 2023-24 season on loan at Barcelona from City. He made 23 appearances for Barca during that loan spell and helped the club secure the La Liga title.

"It's my dream," said Cancelo. "I'm where I want to be and I am very happy. I like the club, I identify with it. I feel loved here and I promise to give everything for this club." After agreeing his departure from Al-Hilal, the 32-year-old returned to the Camp Nou on a three-year contract. This will be his third stint with the Spanish giants but his first on a permanent basis.

Cancelo first moved to Spain in 2014 when he joined Valencia from Benfica, initially on loan. He spent 2017-18 on loan with Inter Milan before making permanent moves to Juventus in 2018 and Manchester City in 2019. He finished the 2022-23 season on loan at Bayern Munich.

Barcelona also completed the signing of Cancelo's former team-mate Rodri this week after agreeing to pay City about £65m for the Spain midfielder. Hansi Flick's squad has also been boosted by the arrival of wingers Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi this summer, while forward Ferran Torres has left for Paris St-Germain and veteran striker Robert Lewandowski joined MLS side Chicago Fire.

Cancelo's permanent arrival coincides with Barcelona's wider summer transfer activity, including the capture of Rodri from Manchester City for about £65m, as the club finalises its squad ahead of the coming season.