Joao Cancelo returns to Barcelona on loan and confirmed as No. 2

Goal reports Barcelona have confirmed the return of Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo, who has rejoined the club on a loan deal from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal until the end of the season; he was unveiled on Tuesday alongside president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco and will wear the No. 2 shirt.

Cancelo previously impressed at Barcelona during the 2023-24 campaign, when he spent a season on loan from Manchester City and made 42 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing five assists. After that loan expired in June 2024 a permanent move did not materialise and he moved to Al-Hilal, where he featured in 45 matches over the last 18 months. The signing ceremony at the club’s offices emphasised the significance of this mid-season reinforcement, and the No. 2 shirt has been linked with past greats such as Dani Alves.

Barcelona announced an agreement with Al-Hilal that will keep Cancelo at the club until the conclusion of the current campaign. The club hope his versatility — able to operate on either flank but expected primarily on the right — will strengthen their title and Champions League ambitions, and his recent regular game time suggests he returns match‑sharp, though the report noted the intensity of La Liga and the Champions League is different from the Saudi game.

Key Topics

Sports, Joao Cancelo, Barcelona, Al-hilal, Joan Laporta, Deco