Joao Cancelo returns to Barcelona squad before Al Ahly friendly

Joao Cancelo has appeared alongside Barcelona’s players at Spotify Camp Nou before Al Ahly’s Joan Gamper Trophy meeting with the Catalan club, despite Barcelona yet to officially announce his return.

Al Ahly will visit Barcelona on Wednesday for the friendly match, which will be played at Spotify Camp Nou as part of the Joan Gamper Trophy. Cancelo was seen with the Barcelona squad only minutes before kick-off, although he remains officially registered as an Al Hilal player.

His presence comes amid reports that Al Hilal have reached an agreement with the Portugal full-back to terminate his contract. The deal was due to run until the end of the current season, but Cancelo is reportedly prepared to give up the remainder of his financial entitlements in order to leave the Saudi club.

Barcelona are expected to confirm the signing in the coming hours. The move is set to be completed as a free transfer and would mark the continuation of Cancelo’s spell with the club after his loan during the second half of last season.

The 32-year-old joined Al Hilal in the summer of 2024. However, he was removed from the club’s domestic squad last season before moving to Barcelona on loan for the latter part of the campaign.

Cancelo made a positive impression during his time with Barcelona and helped the side win La Liga, finishing ahead of their traditional rivals Real Madrid.

His appearance at Spotify Camp Nou before the Gamper match offers a further indication that a formal announcement of his Barcelona return is close, even though no official confirmation had been issued by the club at the time of publication.

Barcelona’s squad was pictured preparing for the fixture against Al Ahly, with Cancelo and Rodrigo included among the players at the stadium.

The social media post accompanying the images said:

🏟️ Ya esta el Barca en el Spotify Camp Nou preparado para el Gamper 🏆💙❤️¡Rodrigo y Cancelo con el equipo!🎥@Guillembp01pic.twitter.com/U6kjO0ngZc

Cancelo’s expected move would bring him back to a Barcelona team with which he enjoyed a successful loan spell last season. During that period, he contributed to the club’s La Liga title triumph, having previously remained under contract with Al Hilal.

Until the transfer is formally announced, however, Cancelo continues to be listed as an Al Hilal player. Barcelona are expected to clarify his position and confirm the free transfer shortly after the meeting with Al Ahly.