It's Done! Cancelo Terminates Al Hilal Contract, Joins Barcelona on Free Transfer

João Cancelo is on the verge of becoming a permanent Barcelona player after successfully terminating his contract with Al Hilal. The Portuguese international is now a free agent, a significant boost for the Catalan club's hierarchy, led by Deco and head coach Hansi Flick.

The 32-year-old's performances at left-back since January have convinced the German coach to push for his continued presence in the squad. With his release from the Saudi club now secured, Barcelona awaits the player's arrival to sign his new contract, which is expected to take place next Tuesday.

Although Al Hilal initially valued the player at €10 million, Cancelo's strong desire to leave, coupled with an excess of foreign players in the Saudi squad and his strained relationship with coach Simone Inzaghi, facilitated an amicable termination. This situation benefits the player, who can now negotiate a more favorable salary with Barça, and the club, which acquires him on a free transfer. The Catalans intend to offer a contract valid for two more seasons.

This will mark João Cancelo's third stint at Barcelona. The Portuguese defender was previously on loan from Manchester City to the club in the 2023/24 season under Xavi Hernández, and then in the second half of the 2025/26 season from the Saudis, already with Hansi Flick at the helm. Cancelo, who has never hidden his affection for the club, thus fulfills his dream of becoming a permanent Barça player, shedding his loan status.