Joao Cancelo returns to Barcelona as a free agent
The Portuguese defender terminates his contract with Al-Hilal to join the Catalan side for a third stint.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Bryan Berlin
Joao Cancelo is officially returning to Barcelona. According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, the Portuguese defender has terminated his contract with Saudi club Al-Hilal and will join the Catalans as a free agent.
This marks the third spell for the experienced fullback at the club. He previously spent two separate loan periods with the Blaugrana, during the 2023/24 season and the first half of 2026. Over his 65 appearances for the team, Cancelo has been a key contributor, recording 6 goals and 9 assists.
His return is particularly notable following his second loan spell, where he helped the team secure the 2025/26 La Liga title. That success cemented his unique status as the only player in history to have won league titles in four of Europe's top leagues.