Follow usBarca have confirmed the inking of Joao Cancelo on loan from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Joao’s return to Barcelona, where he played during the 2023-24 campaign, was initially announced earlier today, but the team had to delete all traces of this unveiling as the deal had not actually been completed yet.
The Catalan giants wanted to sign a defender during the winter transfer window and have decided to reunite with their ex-full-back Joao, who will spend the remainder of the current campaign on loan in Catalonia.
“Everything is official now. Joao Cancelo will be a Barcelona footballer again. Our club and Al Hilal Saudi FC have reached an agreement for the loan of the defender until the end of the campaign,” the team shared on their site.
Several days ago, Barca manager Hansi Flick revealed that he initially wanted to use this transfer window to sign another centre-back. However, after Ronald Araujo’s return from his mental break, the manager and Deco decided to ink a full-back, which led to the inking of Cancelo.
Joao could play his 1st match at Camp Nou for Barca since his transfer from Saudi Arabia on January 25th when they face Real Oviedo.
João Cancelo becomes FC Barcelona player.
🔗 https://t.co/Qzwds61SCa pic.twitter.com/YXDs2c5M5Y— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 13, 2026
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