Joao Cancelo set to return to Barcelona after Al Hilal contract terminated

Joao Cancelo is close to returning to Barcelona on a permanent basis after reaching an agreement with Al Hilal to terminate his contract, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Portugal international has been given permission to travel to Barcelona, where he is expected to sign his contract and complete the move as a free agent.

Romano reports that Cancelo will sign for Barcelona on Tuesday, securing a permanent return to the Catalan club after two previous loan spells.

Cancelo joined Al Hilal from Manchester City in the summer of 2024. During his time with the Saudi Arabian club, he made 45 appearances, scoring three goals and providing 14 assists.

The full-back has already represented Barcelona twice on loan. His first spell came during the 2023-24 season, when he played 42 matches, scored four goals and contributed five assists.

He returned for a second loan spell in the season just completed, making 23 appearances. Cancelo scored twice and supplied four assists during that period.

Across his two temporary stays, he played 65 matches for Barcelona, scoring six goals and registering nine assists in total.

His expected return comes after Barcelona finished last season as champions of La Liga. They collected 94 points, finishing ahead of runners-up Real Madrid.

Barcelona are due to begin the new season away from home against Elche in the second round of fixtures on Sunday next week.

Their opening league match has been postponed, with the rearranged fixture against Athletic Club scheduled for Thursday, 27 August, at Camp Nou.

Cancelo’s move would therefore give Barcelona a permanent agreement for a player who has already spent significant time with the squad and contributed in both domestic and European campaigns during his two previous loan periods.

The Portugal defender originally arrived at Barcelona from Manchester City for his first loan spell in 2023-24. His subsequent move to Al Hilal led to another temporary return to the Spanish club before the latest agreement between the player and the Saudi Arabian side opened the way for a permanent transfer.

With the contract termination now agreed, Cancelo has been cleared to complete the final steps of the move. Barcelona are expected to formalise the signing when he arrives in the city and puts pen to paper on Tuesday.