Joao Cancelo has arrived in Barcelona to complete a permanent move to Barcelona from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal and couldn’t be happier.
The defender has agreed a contract termination with Al-Hilal and will now put pen to paper on a three-year contract with Barcelona.
After landing back in the city, the Portugal star had a few words for reporters: “I’m very happy, I’m very pleased to be here, I’m where I want to be. I trained separately for a week. I told Deco that either I came here or I’d spend a year there without playing, still getting paid.
“I gave up part of my salary, but it was either sign for Barça or nothing. It’s a very special club, I’m here to help and I hope to win many titles. We’re building a great team.”
Cancelo is now back at Barcelona for a third spell and will be hoping to play a key role for Hansi Flick’s side in the 2026-27 season.
He joins Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Jesse Bisiwu in making the switch to the Camp Nou this summer, with Rodri expected to be announced as another new signing shortly.
There could also be further additions before the window closes, with a striker still wanted by Flick, while more departures are expected as Deco finalizes the squad in the final weeks of the window.