Barca re-signs. Cancelo returns for a third stint on a contract lasting until 2029
Barcelona have secured the signing of fullback Joao Cancelo on a free transfer until June 2029, as announced by the LaLiga champions on Thursday. The Portugal international is making his return to the Catalan club for a third time.
The 32-year-old initially joined Barca on loan from Premier League side Manchester City during the 2023-24 season before returning on another loan spell from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in January.
During his two tenures at Barca, Cancelo played in 65 matches, netting six goals and contributing nine assists.
Cancelo has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Al-Hilal prior to finalizing his return to Barcelona, as reported by various media outlets. Barcelona confirmed in a statement, “The fullback arrives as a free agent and signs a contract until 30 June 2029.” Furthermore, “Cancelo has now signed a permanent contract with Barcelona and is available for Hansi Flick, who evidently has confidence in the fullback and aims to leverage his talents and attacking capabilities. Cancelo is now part of the Blaugrana family!
A product of Benfica’s academy, Cancelo has experienced a diverse career, playing for Valencia, Inter Milan, Juventus, Man City, Bayern Munich, Barca, and Al-Hilal.
He secured three Premier League titles during his tenure at City. He also secured the Serie A title with Juventus in the 2018-19 season and claimed the Bundesliga championship with Bayern in 2022-23, along with numerous other accolades.
Cancelo was included in Portugal’s squad for this year’s World Cup, where they faced elimination by Spain in the round of 16.
Barca are pursuing a third consecutive LaLiga title under Flick and have bolstered their squad with the signings of 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, England winger Anthony Gordon, and Germany forward. Karim Adeyemi.
