Transfer market: FC Barcelona and Al-Hilal reach agreement for João Cancelo

The transfer of João Cancelo to FC Barcelona is on the verge of being made official. The Catalan club and Al-Hilal have reached an agreement, with only the final administrative details left before the official announcement.

FC Barcelona and Al-Hilal have wrapped up negotiations for João Cancelo. The final paperwork is being processed and nothing now appears to stand in the way of the deal going through.

Pending the official announcement, the Portuguese international will join Al-Hilal's preseason training camp in Austria on Wednesday, after enjoying a few days off following the 2026 World Cup.

A departure already set in motion

João Cancelo made it clear to club officials that he wanted to leave Al-Hilal. Loaned to FC Barcelona in the second half of last season, the right-back featured in 23 matches for the Blaugrana, scoring twice and providing three assists.

Under contract with the Saudi club until June 2027, Cancelo has just one year left on his current deal. Al-Hilal had shown a willingness to listen to offers to facilitate his departure.

Arriving at Al-Hilal in the summer of 2024 from Manchester City, João Cancelo played 45 matches for the Riyadh-based club, scoring three goals and providing fourteen assists before moving closer to a permanent return to FC Barcelona.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

Al Hilal

Barcelona