Cancelo heads to Barcelona to sign

Joao Cancelo is on his way to Barcelona. The Portuguese international departs first thing Monday morning towards the Catalan city, where he will seal his arrival as the latest addition to the azulgrana squad, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The defender terminated his contract at Al Hilal as a free agent after making clear his desire to leave. The Saudi club had valued him at around 10 million euros, but Cancelo's determination to exit, combined with an excess of foreign players in their squad and poor chemistry with Simone Inzaghi, led them to release him without a fee. The Portuguese star already posted a travel photo on social media with the caption: "Heading home".

Back for a third spell

This marks Cancelo's third stint at Barcelona. He was previously loaned there during 2023-24 under Xavi Hernández and returned in the second half of 2024-25. Now he joins permanently, with the club keen to secure him for two more seasons. Hansi Flick will have the chance to field the same left flank pairing of Cancelo and Alejandro Balde, building one of the most solid defensive flanks in the team.