Barcelona signs Joao Cancelo on permanent deal

Barcelona have completed the signing of Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo, sealing one of the longest-running sagas of their summer.

The club announced the deal with a flurry of posts on its official X account, confirming that Cancelo has signed a three-year contract that ties him to the Spotify Camp Nou until 2029. Negotiations had dragged on for weeks, but the Catalans have at last secured a player they have been trying to make their own for some time.

Early reports had indicated Cancelo would arrive on a free transfer, after reaching an agreement with Al-Hilal to terminate his contract in exchange for giving up the remainder of his wages. Barcelona have not disclosed the financial details, but the outcome is clear: Cancelo is no longer a loanee, he is now a fully-fledged Blaugrana player.

Third spell, first time as a Barça player

This is Cancelo’s third stint in Barcelona colours, yet the first on a permanent basis. He initially joined on loan from Manchester City for the 2023–24 season, then returned on another temporary deal from Al-Hilal in the second half of last season.

Across that season and a half in Catalonia, the 32-year-old became a regular feature. He played 65 matches in all competitions, scored six goals and delivered nine assists, adding attacking thrust from full-back and wide areas. His contribution helped Barcelona to the La Liga title last season, a key line on his résumé as he now signs on for good.

Mixed chapter at Al-Hilal closed

Cancelo’s move also draws a line under a curious spell at Al-Hilal. He joined the Saudi club in the summer of 2024 and spent two seasons on their books, but effectively played only one of them after being cut from the domestic squad last term.

Even so, his numbers there were strong: 45 appearances in all competitions, three goals, 14 assists. The one thing missing was silverware. He leaves Saudi Arabia without a trophy, but with his future back at the sharp end of European football.

A busy Barcelona summer

Cancelo becomes Barcelona’s fifth signing of a hectic window. He follows Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Rodri and Jesse Bisiou through the door, while the club have also activated the purchase option for promising Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim.

With Cancelo now locked in until 2029, Barcelona have finally secured a long-term solution on the flank from a player who already knows the shirt, the stadium and the expectations that come with them.