Barcelona have completed the signing of Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo as a free agent, the La Liga champions confirmed on Thursday.
The Catalan club announced that the 32-year-old full-back has agreed to a contract that will keep him at Camp Nou until June 30, 2029.
Cancelo ended his agreement with Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal before sealing his return to Barcelona, where he has already enjoyed two temporary spells.
The Portugal international featured for Barca during the latter part of last season and played a role in Hansi Flick’s team retaining the La Liga title.
Before moving to Manchester City in 2019, Cancelo had represented clubs in Portugal, Spain and Italy. He later spent time on loan at Bayern Munich and Barcelona during the 2023/24 season before making a permanent move to Al Hilal in 2024.
His return makes him the latest addition to Barcelona’s summer recruitment, following the arrivals of Rodri, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.
The Spanish giants are also searching for another forward following the exits of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
Barcelona had identified Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as their preferred target, but their plans suffered a setback after Atletico ruled out the possibility of selling the Argentine.
Flick’s side will begin their new La Liga campaign away to Elche on Sunday.
AFP
