RismadarVoice Reporters, August 20, 2026
Barcelona have completed the signing of Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo on a free transfer as the Spanish champions strengthen their defence ahead of the new La Liga season.
The Catalan club confirmed on Thursday that the 32-year-old full-back had signed a contract until June 30, 2029.
Cancelo terminated his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal before returning to Barcelona, where he previously spent two loan spells.
The Portugal international featured for Barcelona during the second half of last season and helped Hansi Flick’s side retain the La Liga title.
Cancelo began his professional career in Portugal before moving to Spain and Italy. He joined Manchester City in 2019 and later had loan spells at Bayern Munich and Barcelona during the 2023/24 season.
He subsequently joined Al Hilal in 2024.
His return is part of Barcelona’s busy summer recruitment, with the club also bringing in Rodri, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.
The Catalan side are still searching for a striker following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
Barcelona had targeted Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, but the Madrid club have reportedly refused to allow the Argentina international to leave.
Flick’s side will begin their La Liga title defence on Sunday when they travel to face Elche.
