João Cancelo is now in a very exclusive group of people who have managed to leave the desert and land in a high-level club in Europe.

There have been tough rounds and as recently as a few days ago, the signal was clear that it will not happen. – But then… Finally, Cancelo is back in Barcelona – permanently this time and in the best possible way…. for free.

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The Portuguese signs until 2029

João Cancelo is officially back at FC Barcelona. After several weeks of negotiations and speculation, the club confirmed on Thursday that the Portuguese full-back will return home – this time on a permanent basis.

The 32-year-old arrives as a free agent after terminating his contract with Al-Hilal, and signs a deal that lasts until June 2029. This will be his third spell at the club – but the first as a permanent player.

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From loan to permanent – without transfer fee

Cancelo was at Barcelona on loan in the 2023/24 season, and returned again in January 2026 – also on loan from Al-Hilal. He made 23 appearances, two goals and four assists.

Now there are no new loan agreements. The Portuguese has cut ties with Saudi Arabia and joins the Blaugrana for free – a financial triumph for the club.

To achieve this, Cancelo himself has had to sacrifice money. He has given up part of his salary in order to return to Camp Nou.

A bit strange, but pleasant…

Flick brings back his versatile full-back

Hansi Flick was very happy with Cancelo in the latter part of last season. The Portuguese proved to be a flexible player who could operate in both full-back positions – giving Flick more tactical options.

Towards the end of the season, Cancelo even took the place of Alejandro Balde at left-back – a development that explains why Barcelona wanted to keep him, despite his 32nd birthday.

Fifth signing this summer

Cancelo will be the fifth player to arrive at Barcelona in this window – after Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Jesse Bisiwu and Rodri Hernández. He brings experience, versatility and knowledge of the dressing room to a team that has also brought in several new players who need time to adapt.

With a contract until 2029, Barcelona are now committed to keeping a player that Flick knows well – and who can fill two defensive positions. The question is whether Cancelo will take a leading role from the start in the new season.