Joao Cancelo leaves Camp Nou without Barcelona unveiling

Barcelona were unable to present Joao Cancelo as their latest signing before Wednesday’s friendly against Al Ahly at Spotify Camp Nou, despite the Portugal full-back being prepared for an unveiling.

The Catalan club hosted Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy match, but Cancelo left the stadium without being introduced to supporters because his registration formalities had not been completed.

Barcelona did present Spain midfielder Rodri before kick-off. Rodri joined the club from Manchester City during the current summer transfer window and was unveiled as the team’s new midfield addition.

Spanish journalist Victor Navarro reported that Barcelona had also planned to present Cancelo after Rodri. That was said to be the reason for the 32-year-old’s presence at Spotify Camp Nou, even though the club had not officially announced his signing.

According to Navarro, Cancelo was ready to take part in the presentation and was wearing Barcelona’s number two shirt, which he had also worn during the second half of last season.

However, the Portuguese defender ultimately departed without being unveiled. His registration process had not been completed, and Barcelona were therefore unable to formalise the presentation before the friendly.

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal attempted to ask Cancelo why he had not been presented, but the full-back left the stadium angrily, according to Navarro.

The journalist said Barcelona had made every effort to complete the deal officially on Wednesday so Cancelo could be introduced before the match against Al Ahly. Those efforts were unsuccessful.

Cancelo’s move to Barcelona follows reports that he had reached an agreement with Al Hilal to terminate his contract, which was due to expire at the end of the current season. The agreement reportedly involved Cancelo waiving the remainder of the money owed to him.

The defender joined Al Hilal in the summer of 2024 and remained with the Saudi club until he was left out of their domestic squad last season. He subsequently moved to Barcelona on loan for the second half of the campaign.

Cancelo made a positive impression during his loan spell in Spain and helped Barcelona win La Liga ahead of their traditional rivals Real Madrid.

Barcelona had hoped to secure the Portuguese international’s status in time for a high-profile introduction alongside Rodri before the meeting with Al Ahly. Instead, the unresolved registration procedures meant the planned presentation could not go ahead, leaving Cancelo to leave Spotify Camp Nou without being officially unveiled as a Barcelona player.